Patient... Not Slow

Daily Gratitude Year Eleven-Day 177- Today, I am grateful our God is patient, not slow.

I think we are becoming less and less familiar with practicing patience. We have microwaves. Our stove tops are instant, too. There is no waiting for a fire to cook our food. 

I grew up with a percolator coffee pot until I was about school age when the fancy Mr. Coffee coffee makers hit the market. There is something about the memories of the slow-brewed coffee percolator coffee makers that still makes me smile. Perhaps, it is the memories of the sludge Grandpa Lindgren served in the late afternoon if he offered you coffee. They were frugal and threw nothing away. 

 Today, we only wait for a few minutes. We have instant pod style machines that let us brew individual cups to taste in the blink of an eye. I take longer choosing my flavor than it actually takes to brew the coffee. 

Then, I discovered the French Press. It came highly recommended by a "nephew of my heart" when he returned from the mission field in Brazil. His family didn't really drink coffee at the time. He knew we loved it. He insisted I try the French Press for my morning cup of java. It took me a while, but then I picked up the simple device and brewed my first cup. As Mama Ina Mae would say, "Ohmygoodnness!" It really was a game changer. 

Let me first note that the process of heating the water in the tea kettle while preparing the grounds becomes part of a soothing morning ritual.  Yes, it slows me down a little, but that is okay. It is a gift of the process. The mellow brew on the other side of five minutes is completely worth the wait. 

I, also, use the French Press to brew my other favorite morning beverage, Cacao (Choffy Roasted, Ground Cacao beans) of choice. It takes a few more minutes to brew than my coffee, but the deep, rich, dark chocolate taste is worth the wait. 

The goodness becomes greatness when I give it a little time, thanks to my French Press. It can't be hurried. If I get distracted and leave it for a little extra time brewing, it still comes out just right. 

It makes me think of this verse:

"The Lord isn’t really being slow about his promise, as some people think. No, he is being patient for your sake. He does not want anyone to be destroyed, but wants everyone to repent." -2 Peter 3:9          

 He isn't slow. His timing is always perfect. I often become impatient and try to hurry things along. 

I need to be still, and let God be God in all things... and in every chapter. 

Today, I am grateful our God is patient, not slow.