Patience, the fourth “fruit of the Spirit” (Galatians 5:22), mimics God’s mind; it holds out quietly before giving way to action.
I saw a newspaper comic strip to which I related so much that I cut it out and stuck it on my refrigerator with a magnet. I kept it for years until it was yellowed, faded, and barely readable. But the image is still crystal clear in my mind.
A little boy is gazing out from his living room picture window onto a winter scene outside where trees and bushes are so covered by snow that they look like amorphous lumps. Clutched behind his back is a fan of seed packets. The only color in the cartoon is the brilliance of the vegetables, fruits, and flowers on the covers of the seed packets.
I get that! I understand the longing patience in his little mind as he visualizes into the future what his harvest will look like after winter has passed.
How hard is it for you to wait on God’s timing when nothing in your line of vision seems to be happening the way you think it should? Do you have God’s patient mindset to see past the obliterating blizzards of life?
Nature gives us so many pictures of patience, from a nest of eggs tended by a doting parent, to a garden’s potential smothered in layers of snow.
Today’s illustration is donated by Marina Delgado. She, in her life choices, exemplifies the rigorous patience against all odds needed for the stepping stones of success. I’m grateful for her example in my life.
Who or what inspires you to be patient?
I entreat you then. . . as God has called you, live up to your calling. Be humble always and gentle, and patient too. Be forbearing with one another and charitable.