Minute Message May 7

May 7, 2015Tom Ellsworth

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It has been wisely said, “Have patience. If you pick the blossom, you must do without the fruit.” Hi, I’m Tom Ellsworth from Sherwood Oaks Christian Church with a minute message.

Patience is difficult to come by in our culture of instant gratification, fast food and immediate information via the internet. We want to be patient, we just can’t wait to get there. I like what Mac McCleary wrote, “Patience is something you admire in the driver behind you and scorn in the one ahead.”

I am always amazed at the creative ways God teaches us important truths and the value of patience is no exception. The Saguaro Cactus of the American southwest is a great illustration of this virtue. After ten years of growth, the cactus is only 4 centimeters high. It doesn’t flower until it’s at least 35 years old and it will grow for 65 years before it develops its first branch or arm. Many will live to exceed 200 years, but the Saguaro gets there only by great patience. It’s a good lesson for us. God wants us to enjoy his good gifts in life, so be patient. If you pick the blossom, you’ll do without the fruit.