In the quintessential present, it seems, everyone is in a hurry. Amid this onrushing schedule, patience may seem an expendable attribute, trivial and hardly worth a mention, tucked safely away with a list of other virtues to practice at a more opportune time. And off we rush.

Despite its quiet demeanor, patience is scriptural, and the blessings are apparent as well as promised:

"Be patient in afflictions, for thou shalt have many; but endure them, for, lo, I am with thee, even unto the end of thy days" (Doctrine and Covenants 24:8).

Almost everyone wants patience. Those people around us who have attained a calm demeanor and are unruffled in difficulty are highly respected and appreciated.

On the other hand, lack of patience nearly always brings actions of regret and erodes respect. Expressions of impatience are mostly wrought upon the defenseless — a slow clerk, a small family member, even an inanimate tool. Often, the person or object of impatience is barely involved in what provoked the impatience. In fact, lack of personal preparation or planning often precede impatience.

"He that is slow to wrath is of great understanding: but he that is hasty of spirit exalteth folly" (Proverbs 14: 29).

Defined as "the will to endure without complaint," patience may also be considered the ability to remain calm when provoked by little things.

"And for those of you who do not know what the word patience really means, I offer a simple definition: Patience is learning to hide your impatience," said Elder Jacob de Jager of the Seventy in April 1983 general conference.

So then, what is the price of patience, and how does one obtain this easily ignored but sometimes very elusive trait?

Upon reflection, it becomes obvious that patience is a cumulative virtue, a crown upon a life being lived well.

Calmness amid stress is the result of well-controlled anxiety. And anxiety is best controlled when kept low by a clear conscience and regular adherence to the self-disciplines of spirituality. When one has had sincere morning prayer, one faces the day with more serenity. When one's financial obligations to the Lord and fellow men are under control, one can meet agitation without responding in like manner. When one first practices patience in the home, he or she carries that pattern into the hectic, hurried world.

In a stress-filled situation, a calm word and a patient attitude are worth much. They give comfort and impute permission for everyone else to remain calm and patient. An indication of how important it is to the Lord is reflected in these words: "In your patience possess ye your souls" (Luke 21:9).

Despite the fact that patience seems to be one of the virtues easiest to lay aside, it will be and must be kept and worked on until it becomes stronger than all the provocations it meets. Indeed, patience is not something on a list that can be checked off, but an action that must be practiced — and even refined — over and over.

"Nevertheless the Lord seeth fit to chasten his people; yea, he trieth their patience and their faith" (Mosiah 23:21).

The practice of patience applies to all our challenges, and is basic to our mortal journey. President Spencer W. Kimball has written:

"Being human, we would expel from our lives physical pain and mental anguish and assure ourselves of continual ease and comfort, but if we were to close the doors upon sorrow and distress, we might be excluding our greatest friends and benefactors. Suffering can make saints of people as they learn patience, long-suffering, and self-mastery" (Faith Precedes the Miracle, p. 98).

Often overlooked and easily disregarded, patience is indeed a close doctrinal kin of endurance. What is patience if not enduring? And what is enduring if not long-term patience? Both deserve priority.

May we all take those paths necessary to free us of unnecessary inner turmoil, and strive to achieve patience. Against whatever challenges we face, may we seek to express our inner serenity as a silent testimony of He who is the master of patience, our Savior, the Prince of Peace.