Can you refrain from stirring the pot?

The other night I was watching a program where a man was speaking of the importance of allowing something to simmer. I loved the phrasing because it really spoke of so much. When you are good at what you do, what you know, and what you speak, it is my conclusion that you don’t want to be silent. It often becomes difficult to allow something to have time to simmer without feeling that you need to stir the pot.

As I write this post I can’t help but think of my mother-in-law. Margaret would get up at 5 am on the days when she was making her red sauce, and all day long that pot on her stove would simmer. I very seldom would see her stir the pot, although she may have given it some encouragement from time to time, but what I really saw was that she was confident in her ability. She used all the finest ingredients she could find, and then using her proven recipe, she put everything together. I don’t believe that she ever doubted the outcome. She exhibited patience as she allowed that sauce to simmer, knowing that later we would all enjoy a delicious dinner.

When we allow something that we have shared to hang in the air, or simmer, then we are giving what has been spoken, time to ignite in that person’s spirit. All of this works providing that we have not merely spoken out of the flesh, but have given life to what we know that the Holy Spirit has birthed within us.

We know that God works all things for good, and that His timing is always perfect. When we have confidence in what we know to be true, and trust in God’s outcome, then I believe we will witness fruit in what has been spoken. God’s work and His words will always be enough to stand on their own! Sometimes we just need to take our well meaning hands off, resist the desire to quicken the process, and watch what comes to fruition.

James 5:7-8 ESV Be patient, therefore, brothers, until the coming of the Lord. See how the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the earth, being patient about it, until it receives the early and the late rains. You also, be patient. Establish your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is at hand.

What has your attention this day?

If given a choice will you choose gratitude?