There is a word in Arabic that doesn't really translate perfectly to English. That word is 'sabr' and by some basic definition the word would simply mean patience, but a lot of the meaning remains lost as sabr is really something a bit deeper.
In our culture we believe that good things will come to those who wait, and this may certainly be true, but sabr is a concept that takes a different perspective. The fact is that things will work out when they are supposed to work out even though we are all certain to endure difficult things in our lifetimes. However, there is a beautiful simplicity in finding happiness while you wait. Sabr seems to mean "don't just wait for better things to come, smile while you do so."
A patient smile is much different than any other smile. It is a smile that is very compassionate and forgiving. It does not judge and it does not speak falsely. Some of the most patient people I've ever known have had the best smiles and I've learned from them humility and graciousness. Your patient, beautiful smile is what shows the rest of the world the person who you really are, not the person who cannot be present in any moment. Your beauty transcends everything you've know about yourself only if you've ever been patient and honest enough to show the real you.
