“May God, who gives this patience and encouragement, help you live in complete harmony with each other, as is fitting for followers of Christ Jesus.” Romans 15:5 NLT
Much urgency is in the air around us. There are deadlines, named I suppose because you will die if you do not make them, closeout deals, end-of-the-month quotas, and last-minute bargains. We desperately want to lose weight, make the grade, and get the job done. We watch people being incited to feed emotional needs as a quick fix to disappointment in life. We want it all, and we want it now.
Then I look at Famous who most days patiently waits alone for his master to return home. Does he vote me out of office? Does he riot against me? Does he go on a hunger strike to show his disapproval? Hardly. Instead, it is with joyous excitement when we find each other again, and our time together is harmonious.
This valiant patience is admirable, but forced, you may argue. True, he has very little to say in the matter. But even this contains a lesson for me. All day long, Famous is subject to my circumstances. But when we take our walks through the neighborhood, I try to find in myself the same patience to give him. The path is familiar, but still he gets to choose if we “bee line” to the end or explore one of the cul-de-sacs. I might note that the same patch of lawn is in need of mowing, but Famous is discovering so much more. Perhaps he has found a pile of mulch where a cat made a bed. Perhaps a strange dog has invaded our territory. Or perhaps he has found the tromping grounds of a rabbit earlier that day. I have seen him spend ten minutes going over the same six-foot-square plot again and again. And I just stand there at the other end of the leash watching and wondering and hoping he’s ready to move along soon. I think he is grateful for my consideration.
We often come to God out of urgency. We want it fixed, and we want it fixed now. But God often asks us to work together in patience to find the solutions. Often, the best solutions are found in the quiet walks with Him.
Dear Lord, teach me the art of waiting on You.
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