WAIT | AdventAI

International Tract and Missionary Society · Oakland, California · Oct 21, 1889

FromSigns of the Times, Vol. 15, No. 40.

WAIT.

I saw the proprietor of a large garden stand at his fence and call over a poor neighbor.

"Would you like some grapes?"

"Yes, and very thankful to you," was the ready answer.

"Well, then, bring your basket."

The basket was quickly brought and handed over the fence. The owner took it and disappeared among the vines; but I marked that he was depositing in it all the while rich and various clusters from the fruitful labyrinth in which he had hid himself. The woman stood at the fence the meanwhile quiet and hopeful. At length he reappeared with a well-replenished basket, saying, "I have made you wait a good while; but you know, the longer you have to wait, the more grapes."

It is so, thought I, with the Proprietor of all things. He says so to me, and to all, "What shall I give thee? What shall I do for you? Ask, and thou shalt receive." So I bring my empty vessel—my needy, capacious soul. He disappears. I am not always so patient and trustful as the poor woman. Sometimes I cry out, "How long? how long?" At last he comes to me—how richly laden! and kindly chides my impatience, saying, "Have I made thee wait long? See what I have been treasuring up for thee all the while!" Then I look, and, behold! fruits richer than I had asked for; and I pour out my heart's thanks to my generous Benefactor, and grieve that I distrusted him; and I carry away my burden with joy, and find that the longer he makes me wait, the more he gives.—Home Circle.