Some behaviors never get easier, regardless of how often you practice them or how often they’re called for. Patience has always been one of these things, for me at least. I grew up in a culture of instant gratification and I didn’t even have access to the internet until I was in my teenage years. Maybe patience is only a matter of counting down and we’re not the only ones practicing it; maybe it’s always painful even under the guise of anticipation. Either way and in every way, it is crucial and it is common, like all of The Seven Virtues. Next up is…

Theme: Diligence – constant and earnest effort to accomplish what is undertaken; persistent exertion of body or mind.

Structure: Free Verse

Now if patience is hard because it requires a lack of action, diligence is difficult for the opposite reason. It demands steady labor in the face of obstacles, apathy, and injury. I’m curious to see what motivates you guys to work hard and what kind of hard work you do. Until next week, I’ll leave you with a quote:

“The expectations of life depend upon diligence; the mechanic that would perfect his work must first sharpen his tools.” – Confucius

We happily await your interpretation of this great virtue: Send submissions to redstringpapercuts@gmail.com to be published.

– Jessie Gutierrez