Have Patience - The Story of Bamboo

Have Patience

One year ago today, I was rushed into a lifesaving surgery due to a ruptured appendix and sepsis.  There was no time to waste. The surgeons, nurses, and anesthesia sprang into action.  It was an urgent situation.  At the time, patience was not an attribute that any of these people had.  They were serious.  They worked zealously to make sure that there was a positive outcome.

So, what does all this have to do with patience? Everything.  It has been 365 days since my journey began.  Healing takes time.  I am still moving towards healing.  Patience…

Recently, I heard a story about growing bamboo.  Did you know it takes 5 years to grow one stalk of bamboo? Bamboo seeds have to be nurtured.  They must have proper sunlight and water each day.  Every day the caretaker must water the seeds. As the years go by I’m sure that he hears jeering and people mocking him for watering a bare spot of ground.  People asking him why he doesn’t just give up. But, the caretaker has patience and he perseveres.  He knows the promise that will come.  After five years of watering the seeds, with a blind faith, the caretaker sees a sprout.  Five years of patience and dedication have paid off.  It takes the sprout 6 weeks from the time it breaks the ground to grow 20 feet tall.  Wow! So much growth and so quickly.

What would have happened if the caretaker had wavered in his care of the bamboo seeds? Nothing! There would be no plant.  We must have patience and trust that if we are diligent, good things will happen.  We will reap the harvest in due time.

It is the same with life and love.  We must cultivate a patient and abiding spirit.  God always fulfills his promises.  He does it in His time.  We just have to be patient and stand strong.