I planted two grapefruit trees recently. Well, not the grown trees, but two seeds that promise to be trees. Little green shoots have pushed through the husk of the seed.
Now what will happen? I could dig them up on a weekly basis to monitor their progress, but that would be most unwise. Only patient waiting is the answer.
Let me tell you about the first time I learned about waiting. It was the first Christmas that I can remember. Several days before the anticipated celebration, Grandma and I were exploring the gifts under the tree. There was one with my name on it. Further exploration revealed it was a box without a top. I held it in my hands and tested the wrapping. Grandma urged me on. My fingers pulled at the paper. There was a doll all dressed in white, a bride doll, nestled inside. I hurriedly placed her back under the tree. Did the torn paper remain as evidence of my “crime”? It must have, but I don’t remember.
Christmas morning finally came. I held my bride doll in my hands. Mother had made her satin dress trimmed in ruffles. She had a veil and carried a small bouquet of flowers. She was a doll designed to thrill the heart of a 6-year-old. It did not. You see I already knew what was in the box. All the tingle and excitement of not knowing was gone. I had spoiled my Christmas because I did not wait.
I will patiently wait to see if two little grapefruit seeds push up through the soil and reach for the sun. The anticipation of the unknown adds to the joy of waiting.
Barbara Howe Djordjevic enjoys recording evidences of God’s love with her camera.