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I would have to say I am impatiently waiting for spring. This winter seems colder and the skies have been gray for what seems to be an extended period of time. The news is full of harsh winter storms extending across the United States.
The problem is impatience. Impatience is a precursor to discontent. Discontent leads to other dark, pointless emotions like disappointment, indifference, boredom, and ugh… depression.
There are lots of activities to ward off the impatience of the slowly approaching spring and the desire to dig in the dirt:
- cleaning out last years dead growth from flowerbeds
- going shopping online or the feed store to add to my already too large seed collection, which was a previous blog post
- beginning an online search for that perfect plant to go in the shade where nothing wants to grow
- shop for a new gardening tool and of coarse, new gardening gloves.
- Then, when spring arrives the work can begin.
Perhaps focusing on the Fruit of the Spirit is the best place to begin. Especially since one of the Fruits of the Spirit is patience. Sometimes there has to be an intentional choice to be patient, and to let go of the agitation of impatience. Cultivating spiritual fruits requires a change in focus from what I want and what I’m impatiently waiting for, and very simply focusing on The Lord Jesus.
The change in focus brings immediate clarity to thoughts and priorities. The presence of the Lord brings fullness of joy. Suddenly my impatience melts in the presence of God. My cup is filled to overflowing. My impatience turns instead to praise for my Savior. Then I can notice the beauty around me and the small signs signaling the approach of spring.
Bible Verse
Galatians 5:22-23 Amplified Bible (AMP)
22 But the fruit of the Spirit [the result of His presence within us] is love [unselfish concern for others], joy, [inner] peace, patience [not the ability to wait, but how we act while waiting], kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 , , self-control. Against such things there is no law.
Today’s Glory
My Beloved, this is the day that I have made, rejoice and be glad in it. Cease from striving for tomorrow, and the approaching spring. Let go of any impatience and let the fruit of My Spirit rest in your soul. The fruit is already within you. You are sealed with my Holy Spirit. Enjoy each day, one day at a time. The spring will certainly come and the blossoms will bloom once again.
