Patience is a virtue. And we all know how difficult it is to be virtuous at times.

Everywhere we look in the North End, it seems things are in a summertime holding pattern, even though they are moving forward.

The State Route 305 paving project — which will be stupendous when finished — is causing unavoidably frustrating traffic delays while the work is ongoing. Although the project isn’t slated to be finished until this fall, drivers already have a view of the beautifully smooth, wide, paved roads to come. That glimmer of hope only increases the anticipation, thus making patience nearly impossible. Especially in the high-traffic times, when everyone has packed the roads by leaving work or home at the same time.

With the Poulsbo City Hall, where do we even start? The beginning of the end, it seems, has nearly arrived. The site is (finally) finalized, the project is in the design phase and the council is working on a plan to pay for it. The council members are sharpening their shovels for the groundbreaking which — if all goes as planned — will be this fall.

Again, the architectural designs tease our senses as to what the new digs will look like. It’s a bit like having a present under the Christmas tree wrapped in clear plastic but being unable to touch it until Dec. 25. Again, it’s impossible to be patient.

If we all take a collective breath and let nature (and bureaucracy) take its course, everything will be finished in due time.

Let’s hope due time isn’t too far from now.