Kristen Grossman Prose

Fruit of the Spirit: Producing Bounty in Barren Seasons

“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.” Galatians 5:22

“I do it, Mommy!” I remember heaving a sigh and glancing at my watch as I waited for clumsy toddler fingers to attempt to tie shoelaces or buckle a seat belt. If you know toddlers, you are aware that any attempts to hurry the process along only result in the determined tot beginning the procedure anew, further delaying the completion of the task. Raising toddlers was an excellent season for learning patience.

I equate patience with waiting. I don’t think I am alone in that I do not enjoy waiting. It is not in our human nature to enjoy waiting in line, waiting for test results, or even waiting for dessert. Yet, Christ lists patience as a quality that, when cultivated,  enriches our lives and the lives of those around us.  

The shelter-at-home order has offered many opportunities to exercise patience. Patience is required as we await the proper timing to reopen our country’s economy without endangering health. In my home, we are learning patience as we adjust to having six people living together under one roof 24 hours a day, seven days a week. I’m learning patience as I wait for my turn to use the Wi-Fi as six people simultaneously online for work and classes causes issues with connectivity. We wrestle with impatience as we wait to hug friends and loved ones again rather than connecting with them through our computers.

I am so grateful that our Heavenly Father demonstrates toward us the very traits He wants us to develop in our lives. There are many times where I am the stubborn toddler demanding, “I do it!” as I foolishly struggle to manage situations that are not under my control. My Father God patiently waits for me to stop my clumsy striving and rest in Him.

“Therefore the Lord waits to be gracious to you, and therefore he exalts himself to show mercy to you. For the Lord is a God of justice; blessed are all those who wait for him.” Isaiah 30:18 (ESV)

Dear Heavenly Father, thank you for your patience and mercy. Help me to be patient in circumstances that are beyond my control. Amen.

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