Exodus 12:37-38 – The Israelites journeyed from Rameses to Succoth. There were about six hundred thousand men on foot, besides women and children. Many other people went up with them, as well as large droves of livestock, both flocks and herds. (NIV)

My mare, Mama, came to us with a crippled leg. How long she had been this way, I do not know. She needed a home, however, so we welcomed her, along with her son, Frank, who became my cart pony.

Whenever I would take Frank out for a buggy ride, however, Mama would stand at the corral fence and whinny. She wanted to come as well. So I decided to try exercising her, from time to time, along with Frank, which means that we had to walk very slowly. Frank could not trot or gallop or even walk quickly around our usual route when Mama was limping along behind the cart attached to a lead rope. It means that in the summer, we couldn't outrun the bugs, and in the winter, we got colder as the trip took longer. But for Mama, it meant the joy of exercise, health, and inclusion, things which required both Frank and I to have great patience and understanding. And yes, I do believe that as a horse, Frank did understand Mama's condition, for he never tried to go more quickly than she was able to keep up with when tagging along behind.

When Moses led the people out of Egypt, he, too, had to go slowly: as slowly as necessary for the most pregnant woman or beast, or for the smallest walking child or infirm person or oldest senior to be able to keep up with the community. It took great patience and understanding.

Likewise, within our families, churches, workplaces, and communities, sometimes it takes great patience and understanding when it comes to achieving common goals and purpose. Every person is unique and travels at their own pace in regards to thought process and physical, spiritual, and emotional maturity. This does not mean that the goal or purpose cannot be reached. But it does mean that it may take a lot longer than we would like. However, it also means opportunity: opportunity for those of us who like to run and rush ahead to cultivate the patience and understanding of our Lord Jesus Christ within our innermost being, in order to ensure that our journey with others is as peaceable, positive, and productive as possible.

Prayer: Father God, thank You for the journey of life which we are all taking together. Grant us the desire within our hearts to learn patience and understanding for others, that great things may be achieved as we travel toward common goals and purposes. In Jesus' name, we ask. Amen.

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About the author:

Lynne Phipps <lynnephippsatlin@gmail.com>
Tawatinaw, Alberta, Canada
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