Patience

What attitude and behavior help you to love others? We asked our friends this question, and we’re sharing with our readers their answers. This one comes from Mr. Isaias “Sai” Culanag, Jr. a businessman and professional who works with one of the biggest corporations in the Philippines, and who also is a dad to two young boys.

Eng’r Culanag’s family lives in Cebu, but he works in the national capital region. He comes home as often as he can because he loves his wife and their two energetic and growing sons, ZK & JM.  When he does come home, he brings gifts, mostly apparel for teens to make up for his absence.

But Sai, as he is called by family and friends, often found himself losing patience quickly. Whether it was the mess in the living room, bedroom, the endless questions from his curious boys, or the small disagreements during playtime, he would frequently get frustrated and raise his voice.

One weekend, after a particularly stressful morning when he snapped at his sons for bouncing on the couch, Sai felt a pang of guilt. He realized that his impatience was affecting his relationship with his teens and making their home less joyful.

Determined to change, Sai decided to reflect on his reactions. He started paying attention to the things that triggered his temper and found that it happened when he felt tired or overwhelmed by work. He learned to control his reaction: instead of reacting instantly, he would take a deep breath and count to ten. He also began to see his sons' curiosity and energy as signs of their growth and enthusiasm, rather than disruptions.

Sai began practicing small acts of patience daily. He listened attentively to their stories about what happened in school and their friends. He encouraged their creativity in sports and music. He praised their efforts in academics - even when things didn’t go perfectly.

Over time, he noticed his sons becoming more open and trusting, eager to share their adventures rather than hide their mistakes. Months later, the difference was clear. The house was filled with laughter and understanding. Sai had transformed from an impatient dad into a patient, supportive father who cherished each moment with his teens. His patience not only improved his relationship with his children but also made him a better and calmer person.

Who are you called to be more patient with? How can you respond more constructively to things that irritate you?