Be patient, then, brothers, until the Lord’s coming. See how the farmer waits for the land to yield its valuable crop and how patient he is for the autumn and spring rains. You too be patient and stand firm, because the Lord’s coming is near. – James 5:7-8
I intended to be in a hurry, to squeeze in the errand between many pressing priorities. And then…I got behind a farmer moving his hay! He had just pulled out from the field; the line of cars behind him was just beginning to form. This is going to take a while.
There is something about getting behind a farmer that reorders me immediately. It changes the pace of everything, reminding me of what’s really important. It gives me a chance to think. Why do we want everything to happen faster? Who and what is rushing us?
When I lived in the country the daily drive into town and back home in the evening reset my mind and spirit. I watched the seasons change. I got behind a LOT of farmers. I said a lot of prayers and thought through the blessings of the day. Patience is a daily practice. Sometimes it takes getting behind a farmer to remember what it feels like to slow down, accept limits and trust the timing of God. And it happens on the city sidewalks too!
Patience and God’s timing are some of the most profound gifts we experience in life.
Prayer
God we have become a people who think we have to “make” everything happen, and to do it faster, bigger and better every day. Please consider us in your mercy and help us to trust your timing. Thank you for increasing our patience as we wait for more of your kingdom to be revealed on earth. We are delighted to begin this Monday tucked into your hand of grace. When the resurrected Christ shows up wherever we are today, open us to perceive his presence. Thank you for always teaching us. Amen.
Practice
Drive out to the country. Take in the beauty of the changing leaves. Notice the farmer’s fields. Walk the sidewalks in your town. See the beautiful faces God formed in every person. Consider how carefully and intentionally God is patient with us. Trust the timing of God today.
Smile by Sidewalk Prophets
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mjurY5mR2hs
Happy Monday People!
Life in the Deep End 
Thank you!!
A needed reminder for today. When we rely on our timing it’s so hard to be patient. Praying for acceptance and the peace of God’s timing.