Are we there yet?
How many times have we heard that back seat anthem? Waiting can test our patience. We live in an era of “instant gratification.” We live fast-paced lives. We have people to see, things to do, and appointments to keep, and there never seems enough hours in the day for us to do what we need to do.
It’s difficult being patient when we become slaves to the clock, the calendar, and the event planner. I am reminded of Moliere’s saying I shared recently.
“The slowest growing trees produce the best fruit.”
The Israelites labored in bondage for centuries before they tasted the fruit of liberation. But there freedom came at a steep price. Their patience and faith were constantly tested during their trek across the desert. A journey that should have taken but a couple of weeks became a 40-year ordeal.
Yet, the fortunate among them celebrated that moment when they crossed the River Jordan into Canaan. Perhaps the hardships they experienced in the wilderness enabled them to appreciate this land of “milk and honey” that awaited them. Good things — the old saying goes — comes to those who wait.
However, years before at Mount Sinai the Israelites learned a valuable lesson about trust and patience
(The Rev. Lewis Morris is pastor of Ingleside United Methodist Church in Baton Rouge, La. Email him at inglesideumcbr@gmail.com.)
