Patiently waiting until just the right time is something that is very difficult for most people. When we want something to happen, we want it now. This natural tendency is further exacerbated by a culture that is focused on "the now" and "just do it." Delayed gratification is an idea so foreign to our society that many don't understand the concept.
The photo above, which was taken yesterday, is of the wild persimmons ripening in one of the many persimmon trees that are scattered about our place. The crop this year is sparse, unlike last year when every tree was loaded. The fruit is just beginning to ripen but is still very astringent due to high tannin levels. You must wait until it is completely softened or, it will pucker your mouth like alum.
Once the fruit is ripe to the point the flesh becomes quite tasty, it will fall to the ground and is coveted by many animals that feast on it and scatter the seeds far and wide in their scat. If you want to harvest some for eating you have to be patient yet, ready to move quickly or the opportunity will be lost.
It seems a lot of things in life are that way. I suspect it is God's way of teaching us patience but, also, to be prepared and ready when the time is right. A couple of Bible verses come to mind:
"There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven...." -- Ecclesiastes 3:1
"Preach the Word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage -- with great patience and careful instruction." -- 2 Timothy 4:2
It's a difficult thing -- to be both patient and vigilantly ready. Opportunity, though, is something that requires such an attitude. We've all heard that "timing is everything" and I believe that to be at least somewhat true. Many pioneers fail. They get so far out ahead of the pack that they find themselves alone and unable to capitalize on the venture. The thread linking them to everyone else snaps and they become lost in the wilderness. (Lots of metaphors here.) A pioneer isn't really showing the way if they are so far out of sight that no one can follow them.
As I think about this concept of waiting until the timing is right, many examples pop into my head. In business it could apply to a new product that shouldn't be introduced until people are prepared to accept it. It might mean that if you are contemplating a career change you shouldn't jump at the first job that comes along, but wait until the "right" one is available. If you are shopping for a new home you shouldn't "settle" for the one that perhaps is "almost" what you are looking for but, hold out for just the right one. If you are picking fruit, pick the ripe ones rather than those that need a little more time.
Be patient, but be prepared. It sounds a little bit like a scout motto, but it is good advice. I think patience is difficult but, being prepared can sometimes be more so because we tend to be lulled to complacency and lose our sense of expectation. I desire a life filled with both.
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