Exodus 12:37-38 “The Israelites journeyed from Rameses to Succoth. There were about six hundred thousand men on foot, beside 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 must walk very slowly. Frank cannot trot or gallop or even walk quickly around our usual route when Mama is limping along behind the cart attached to a lead rope. It means that in the summer we can’t outrun the bugs and in the winter we get colder as the trip takes longer. But for Mama it means the joy of exercise, health and inclusion, things which require both Frank and I to have great patience and understanding. And yes I do believe that as a horse Frank does understand Mama’s condition for he never tries to go more quickly then she is 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 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, 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. It also however 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 inner most being in order to insure 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 your name we ask. Amen

Lynne Phipps
Atlin, B.C.