Then Laban said to Jacob, “Because you are my relative, should you therefore serve me for nothing? Tell me, what shall your wages be?” Now Laban had two daughters; the name of the older was Leah, and the name of the younger was Rachel. And Leah’s eyes were weak, but Rachel was beautiful of form and face. Now Jacob loved Rachel, so he said, “I will serve you seven years for your younger daughter Rachel.” Laban said, “It is better that I give her to you than to give her to another man; stay with me.” So Jacob served seven years for Rachel and they seemed to him but a few days because of his love for her. Genesis 29:15-20 NASB
When I was first married (in the early years), I would get soooo mad waiting for my wife when we had some place to go. Ugggh! It would really get me upset. I have grown in patience over the years. And she has grown in how fast she can get ready. I am not a naturally patient person by disposition or temperament. One of the manifold expressions of love is ‘patience’. Love is patient according to 1 Corinthians 13:4. Jacob let his love for Rachel permeate his attitude and made working seven years for his uncle seem like a few days. That’s amazing to me. God bless him. My dad used to say, if you get in a hurry, you are going to make mistakes. Patience pays off.
What am I waiting upon right now? How could being motivated by love help me?
God, as this day begins- You are sovereign! I acknowledge that Your timing is perfect and Your love and grace are sufficient for life. Help me become a more patient person, so that I reflect the qualities of Jesus Christ and love people more perfectly. Lots to do today. Let’s go do it together.
