Waiting
Standing politely in a lengthy queue in a crowded coffee shop yesterday, I suddenly became rather hot and bothered; on the edge of being incensed in a more accurate description. A couple of ladies darted into the line, brashly pushing in front of the gentleman who was standing behind me. He and I exchanged a momentary glance; as he rolled his eyes, we shared in that glance, not only our frustration at their rudeness, but the irritation of having to wait in line. Waiting isn’t my favourite thing, whether it’s being held on hold on the phone (while listening to tinkly electronic music composed by mad people), waiting for the test result, or wandering around the platform hoping that the delayed train will show up.
The common theme of the parables of the weeds, mustard seeds and yeast is waiting. In all these brief stories, patience is called for, because judgement is coming, but not yet; the tree will eventually grow tall, but later; and the bread will be brought from oven to table, but only after it's been baked. Perhaps Jesus told these stories in part because He knew that His Jewish audience were tired of waiting for deliverance from their Roman oppressors.
Waiting is part of the Christian life; the prayer doesn’t always get answered quickly (or at all); the despot who massacres in his bloodlust for power isn’t struck by a sudden lightning bolt. We wait. Perhaps you’re in that waiting mode right now. One day all will be put right, although that might not bring the comfort I’d wish for you. But in the meantime, as you wait, grace to you.