Delayed Gratification - Part 2

Do the Hard Things…even when it takes time!
 
When is the last time you really waited for something special? You know, something that took time to save up for or took a significant amount of time to cook, arrive, be built or assembled? Designing your own computer or special order car… selecting all its components… takes time and therefore comes with great anticipation. Your grandparents’ parents use to order their special items from a Sears & Roebucks Catalogue and they would save S&H Green Stamps (kind of like Rapid Rewards) for kitchen accessories that all took time, diligence and patience.
 
Time waits on no one. It has its rewards in the form of personal discipline, strength, focus, and aging. Time also gives a deeper sense of appreciation, value and worth. Antiques have greater value because of time. The hard working farmer takes time planting crops and waiting for the right time to harvest them.
 
Don’t get me wrong, I love to micro wave my popcorn and put the dishes into the dish washer (I’ve washed many by hand). I am quick to use Bible Gateway for ready references which have made me lazier with my Bible skills. Before, I used a Strong’s Concordance and read and scanned through sections of scriptures to find a certain verse or topic. There is a time and place for quick conveniences, but let’s not be too quick to use those in every aspect.
 
When we work on something really hard that takes time, we appreciate it greater than something that was quick and simple. Think about your quality friendships, they grew with time. Close relationships take time to develop. Do the hard things that require time, effort and hard work – you’ll appreciate them more.
 
Because TIME takes TIME it can feel like a trial or test. Take TIME to absorb James 1. This chapter is packed with truths that navigate trials, tribulations, and tests. It also gives timely wisdom and guidance down to the words on our tongues. 
 
Lemmeknow what timeless truths you discover,
 
Johnny

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Parental Pause
Want to spoil your kid, make them rotten and unappreciative – well then, give them everything they want NOW. I’ve seen “well meaning” parents overly soften, cushion, and insulate their child from hardship, the disciplines of waiting, the rewards of time-delayed appreciation and learning the value of time. On the other hand, I’ve seen “well meaning” parents deprive their children of timely responses. Parenting requires time, patience and wisdom. Remember, James 1:5, 6 reminds us to ask for such wisdom. Relationships take time and you want a relationship that stands the test of time.