“Be patient, then, brothers and sisters, until the Lord’s coming. See how the farmer waits for the land to yield its valuable crop, patiently waiting for the autumn and spring rains.” James 5:7
I have learned that it takes around 3 years for a bamboo plant to be fully established once it is planted. It will have long periods in which the plant doesn’t appear to be making any growth progress. It is during this time that growth is occurring underground within the root system. The roots are actively growing and pushing water up to the plant above ground. Then, it reaches a 60 day growth period in which the plant shoots up at a rapid rate. It can grow inches in a day and shoot up 3-5 feet during this growth period. Suddenly all of the attentiveness to the plant pays off and growth occurs quickly.
How often do we start something that isn’t easy and feel tempted to quit when progress seems slow? It is often difficult to be patient when we don’t think we see results. During these times diligence and patience are important disciplines that will eventually yield results.
Heavenly Father, guide me and help me to hold onto the plans that you have for me. When I feel frustrated or discouraged by lack of progress remind me to continue, “watering the soil” in the things you have called me to, trusting that growth will come.
(This blog post was taken from a devotional that had been published in CCU's anniversary devotional when I was teaching in the adult education department of graduate studies).