December 19

Be patient, therefore, siblings, until the coming of the Holy One. The farmer waits for the precious crop from the earth, being patient with it until it receives the early and the late rains. You also must be patient. Strengthen your hearts, for the coming of the Holy One is near. – from James 5:7-10

Rev. Dr. Cheryl Lindsay, Minister for Worship and Theology

“Create no images of God. Accept the images that God has provided. They are everywhere, in everything. God is Change— Seed to tree, tree to forest; Rain to river, river to sea; Grubs to bees, bees to swarm. From one, many; from many, one; Forever uniting, growing, dissolving— forever Changing. The universe is God’s self-portrait.” – from Parable of the Sower by Octavia Butler

 

Patience may not be only what we have been led to believe. We think of patience as waiting without complaint, frustration, or despair. The patient person reflects composure, calm, and restraint when faced with delays, challenges, and setbacks. Yet, the farmer does not sit and simply watch seeds and soil without acting upon them, without bringing them together at the appropriate time, and cultivating their condition to nurture them toward growth.

Still, the farm recognizes their limitations. They rely upon the consistent presence of the sun and do not control the atmospheric conditions of the earth. The clouds do not seek their counsel and rain falls according to their dictates.

Butler encourages us to “accept the images that God has provided.” The beauty and wonder of just our corner of the universe have been billions of years in the making. The farmer waits in active mode, using their gifts, resources, and knowledge to impact their sphere. The farmer waits to receive the produce their efforts yield. Patience recognizes that fruitful outcomes like growth, creation, and change take time and active energy. And, that’s how we wait for the change that we seek.

Prayer

Creative God, who is always drawing near,
give us the vision of the fruit of our patient engagement
while we wait for seeds to germinate, sprout, and flourish.
Strengthen our hearts as we prepare and wait
for freedom to spring forth. Amen.