If you saw the last post, you've seen this little butternut squash plant before. Of course, it looked a lot different! (See photo below and compare.)
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| I had despaired of this little guy, and had been considering pulling it and throwing it out! |
What a difference! Although most of the surrounding plants are so voluminous I can't see the ground for all the leaves, this one still stands out for surprising me with its unexpected growth.
And just as it served as an "object lesson" in its former unproductive state, it again serves as a lovely reminder of something we all need a lot more of: patience!
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"Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up." (Galatians 6:9) Whenever we feel like giving up on ever seeing "anything good" coming from a certain person or project, let's remember this verse. God's timing is so much different from ours! Patience! Some people and things take longer to grow...but are not, because of that, of less value!
We will come up against people and situations that mirror the second (earlier) butternut picture all through our lives. As believers, I think we should be more hesitant to give up on them! After all, our interaction with others, as representatives of our Lord God, can be critical, and used by Him to promote growth, even for those that seem the most hopeless.
I like this rendering of James 5:7,8 (MSG) where we are challenged to have "productive patience"!
"Meanwhile, friends, wait patiently for the Master's arrival.
You see farmers do this all the time,
waiting for their valuable crops to mature,
patiently letting the rain do its slow but sure work.
Be patient like that.
Stay steady and strong.
The Master could arrive at any time."
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Father, please give us "productive patience", and help us trust You as we wait!
Thank You!
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