Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for Him…            

Psalm 37:7

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness

and self-control…                                

Galatians 5:22

Imagine along with me for a minute…

It is autumn in the spiritual fruit orchard. As you walk down the rows of trees, you notice something interesting. The harvest has been completed and the branches are bare, except for the fruit that remains on one kind of tree. You ask your companion what it is and he answers,

“Oh, that’s patience. It is chock-full of good things that most folks need—lots of fiber, you know. But there isn’t much of a market for it. People don’t seem to like the flavor. A few I’ve talked with say that it is an acquired taste, but most of my customers spit it out after the first bite or two.”

Isn’t that how most people view patience? It is the cod liver oil of the spiritual life. In reality, however, patience is a gift that keeps on giving. A ride in the country with an impatient person makes pulling sand burrs out of your toes sound like a good time. But even a difficult situation becomes hopeful when you partner through it with someone who is patient. A dose of patience is the best antidote there is for hurtful words, hasty decisions and harmful actions.

So imagine with me again…

You in a comfy chair relaxing on a white sand beach. You close your eyes and feel the warm sun on your skin and a soft breeze tickling your ears. That, dear heart, is patience God’s way. He is in control and all you need to do is lean into Him. Eventually, you will discovers that even when you are cleaning up the third glass of spilled milk that morning, your emotions can still be hanging out at that beach.

Nancy Shirah