Patience

Patience

Dear brothers and sisters, be patient as you wait for the Lord’s return. Consider the farmers who patiently wait for the rains in the fall and in the spring. They eagerly look for the valuable harvest to ripen. You, too, must be patient. Take courage, for the coming of the Lord is near.

BEES BUZZED AROUND US as we fanned ourselves in the sweltering heat. We’d driven winding roads along the Sonoma Coast in California to arrive at our destination high in the hills. From our perch on the outside patio, we were surrounded by trees.

As we perused the menu, the person helping us launched into a description of our location, but as I glanced over the printed page, my eye was caught by the word Pinotage. It’s my sister Kendra’s favorite grape varietal, and though it’s well known in South Africa, it’s uncommon in the US.

When asked, the woman seemed happy to explain.

“The owners here are originally from South Africa,” she said. “They brought grapevines over with them from South Africa. Grapevines from other countries are required to quarantine for a period of time before they can be planted in our soil, and these ones spent five years at UC Davis.” She went on to explain that the university’s Foundation Plant Services quarantine process itself is lengthy and requires patience: if grapevines develop any kind of disease while in quarantine, the process is extended as the plants must undergo therapy and retesting before they are considered healthy and whole. And there’s always the risk that some plants may die completely.

We marveled at the thought of how much time, expense, and patience were required before the grapes in the vineyards below us were even planted, much less producing. There are times in our lives when we feel the same: that we’ve been uprooted and are experiencing a lengthy refining process. It’s tempting to become impatient with our circumstances, but sometimes, those rocky times are what’s required before we can move ahead. Patience requires diligence and steady perseverance, but for those whose hope rests in the Lord, it’s not impossible. If we have the courage to be patient in the midst of the challenges that arise, we’ll eventually reap a harvest—if we don’t give up.

Lord, give us your patience, especially on hard days when we want to give up. Remind us that you’re overseeing everything with your loving care. Amen.

-Kristin

One Good Step: What circumstances in your life require patience? Write down one way you can redefine a situation in a positive way.