There's a tree growing at the back of my garage. In July it put on these funny yellow plumes near the top. I don't like the tree much when it looks that way because it makes me think of itchy pollen and fuzz. I try to ignore it, because just looking at it makes me want to rub my eyes and sneeze.
It's August now and things are changing. The grass is faded. Leaves are fat and full. Believe it or not, there are some yellow leaves and I even found a red one on the sidewalk two blocks up beneath the tree that is always the first in the neighborhood to change. But, there's been another change, too. One I noticed by happenstance because I wasn't looking. That fuzzy tree has become something quite pretty. Now where there were yellow plumes there are bright lime green pods that look almost like Chinese lanterns. They hang down from the top and the tree looks festive. I enjoy looking at it now.
Changes are slow, but sudden. It's true in nature, in time, in distance and in life. We are eager for the next season to arrive and so we overlook the subtle shifts as nature prepares for something new. We are anxious about a deadline or eager for the work day to end. It seems like an eternity until 5:00, but then suddenly the clock ticks over. Going away for vacation, the miles click by not too quickly, but our anticipation and excitement make us aware that they are indeed passing; coming home those same miles seem to take forever to cross.
Think about your own life. What changes have you hoped for, worked for, prayed about over years or even decades? Then, suddenly one day God says, "Now." Most of the time, in my limited understanding I cannot understand why "now" is the time, but years ago was not. I would have been happier, I think, if God had said "now" way back when. But, in His complete understanding and full knowledge, there is a certain, sudden moment in which "now" is right. Any moment before that, and for that matter any moment after, would not be just right.
We want to hurry. We get impatient. We get petulant sometimes. We grow weary. But, the promise of scripture is true: If we don't grow weary in well-doing we will will reap in due season if we don't faint (Galatians 6:9).
The agricultural metaphor is especially appropriate this season. There's so much to consider when you visit the farmers market! Beyond the abundance of fresh vegetables and fruits, there is an object lesson. Remember James 5:7 which admonishes us to be patient until the Lord's coming and gives the example of the farmer who waits for the land to yield its valuable crop and how patient he is for the rains in autumn and spring. It's true, to everything there is, indeed, a season.
Take time to appreciate the nowness of where you are. Don't give up hope for the realization of dreams or the answers to prayers, but know that God's timing is perfect. If you have trouble remembering it, go visit a local market. Buy a good tomato or melon and savor the flavor. Remind yourself that it took time to reach that moment of perfection. It took rains, too. There is benefit for us in each passing moment whether we are learning patience or diligence, fortitude or forbearance. Change is slow, but it is coming. Even now.
