“Then Jacob hurried on, finally arriving in the land of the east. He saw a well in the distance. Three flocks of sheep and goats lay in an open field beside it, waiting to be watered. But a heavy stone covered the mouth of the well. It was the custom there to wait for all the flocks to arrive before removing the stone and watering the animals. Afterward the stone would be placed back over the mouth of the well.” Genesis 29:1-3 NLT
Famous is used to waiting. He waits to go outside. He waits for me to come home. He waits to be fed. He waits for me to finish whatever I am doing so that he can have my undivided attention. I have also learned he waits to drink out of his water bowl. Knowing it may be hours before my return, he will often leave his water untouched until I return. Then, just before taking our afternoon walk, when he is assured the opportunity to relieve himself, he eagerly laps up the water that has been waiting all day.
This passage in Genesis is the beginning of a story about patience and waiting. It is a lesson not easily tolerated in our culture today. Instant gratification has replaced the “joy” of anticipation. The beginning of this story, however, is not about the reward one receives in working and earning an achievement. It is about the communal good that can equally be shared. When we view the world around us as something to be exploited for our own good, everyone loses eventually. When we see the world as a gift to be celebrated and shared, all of our lives are blessed.
Grant me the wisdom and patience to see Your greater good, dear Lord.
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