PUNCTUALITY; A SACRED VIRTUE
The tendency to run late for every activity seems uncontrollable for many people. Getting to activities late appears to be the only alternative. Punctuality is never understood as a sacred virtue. Thus, those with this habitual disposition often ask, but what is so special about punctuality? What is so sacred about it? Those whose minds are bemused with these questions work on the dictum, “Better late than never,” which has rendered punctuality undervalued. But the question is, why not better never late? When punctuality is retrograded, there is a high probability for a lax living. By unpunctuality, we get into inattentiveness and end in carelessness. Punctuality is part of good etiquette. Yes! This is because many people have won successes and actualized their destiny through the principle of punctuality. Lateness here is not that which occur from an unperceived circumstance. Being late at functions is a robbery of peoples’ time. This habitual act of lateness communicates to people; I am good enough for people to wait for me. This is pride! Lateness is associated with laziness, it has resulted many into loss of opportunities, and has equally been the cause of accident to many in the process of rushing in or out.
Punctuality is an excellent habit, because, successes have been achieved and dreams realized all through it. It is not just a good etiquette, but it is also an advantage for a fortune and a good influence. This is why trust can be built on punctuality. With this virtue, we communicate values; of honesty, respect, self-control, good reputation and dependability to people. On the other hand, the habit of lateness conveys the message of negligence. A person with the virtue of punctuality is a respecter of God, persons, and time. Punctuality is a sacred virtue because it is a habit of the inner disposition of the soul. When the soul is emplaced for an activity, the body even in its weak state does not repel. This is because the body is not obstinate to the soul.
When we are constant with the habit of not being punctual for lecture, do we examine our attitude towards our teachers/lecturers? When we are late at a work place, do we examine our attitude towards our employers? When we keep others waiting, do we examine our attitude towards them? When we are stable with the custom of tardiness to Church for Mass, service or other religious activities, do we really examine our attitude towards God? Could this not mean pride, or could it not also mean an insult and dearth of respect for God? Undoubtedly, not keeping people waiting is an expression of respect to them and a way of honoring Christ.
