Jacob German & Patience

 

New York City Cab

 

On May 20, 1899 the first American ever arrested for speeding was Jacob German.  Jacob was a 26 year old New York City taxi driver who worked for the Electric Vehicle Company.  On that day, he was hauled off to jail for speeding down Lexington Street in Manhattan, for going 12 miles an hour.

The posted speed limit was 8 mph.

Image what Jacob would say today if we could bring him in to our fast-paced life.  Most of us speed through the day at a break neck pace, getting impatient with that guy in the left lane who is only going 60; the posted speed limit. Getting frustrated with that elderly lady in the parking lot who takes too much time to park her old Buick.

Getting angry with the delivery guy who’s looking for an address.

In our haste we often miss all the little things around us that could very well make a difference in our lives. And we increase the angst in our soul without even knowing the effect on our body and mind. Patience is the capacity to accept or tolerate delay, trouble, or suffering without getting angry or upset. The Dalai Lama said: “The practice of patience guards us against losing our presence of mind.”

How often has the lack of patience hurt you?

Discovering patience can lead to discoveries you may miss if you’re moving to quickly through life. How has patience helped you discover something that lead to a life changing moment?

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