Lesson from a Heron

Bible Reading: Romans 15:1-6

“Tell me again,” said Tyler as he followed his friend Sam to the lake. “Why are we here?”

Sam sighed. “My mom told me to come here, watch a blue heron, and bring back a word—one that applies to God and should apply to me too. You’re here to help me figure out what that word is.”

Tyler looked at his friend. “A word? About a blue heron? Why is your mom making you do this?”

Sam shrugged. “She told me to do it after I got mad at my little brother. I was trying to teach him a game, but he kept messing up, so I yelled at him and threw the game on the floor.”

Tyler pointed to a large, bluish bird with a long neck and stick legs. “Well, there’s a heron over there. Let’s go sit on the bank and watch him.”

“Boorring!” muttered Sam after a minute. “He’s not even moving.”

“No, but…” Just then the heron took a step in slow motion. “I think he’s fishing,” whispered Tyler. “Just watch!” Suddenly the heron’s head shot into the water and came up with a fish hanging crosswise in his beak. “He got one! You think that’s the word your mom wants—fishing?”

“Couldn’t be,” said Sam. “That wouldn’t apply to God.”

“Well, let’s see. It looked like nothing was happening with the heron at first. But something was going on; it just took time. We’ll have to wait and watch and not give up so quick.”

“You sound like my mom,” said Sam. “She’s always telling me I get upset way too soon when things aren’t going the way I think they should.”

“Well, you do,” said Tyler. “Like when you wanted to quit the baseball team because you couldn’t get any hits. But it just took time—remember?”

“I know.” Sam skipped a stone across the water. “I guess I’m not very pa—” He sat up straight. “That’s the word! Patient!”

“Yeah!” said Tyler. “God is patient with us, and we should be patient too. Even though we mess up, He forgives us and helps us learn to do what’s right.” He grinned. “Can we go play now?”

“Okay.” Sam stood up. “But first I need to go home and tell my mom the word—and tell my brother I’m sorry.” • Carolyn Caldwell

How About You?

How patient are you? Are you grateful that God is patient? It’s a characteristic He wants to develop in you. When you find yourself getting impatient, remember that God is always patient with you. Thank Him for never giving up on you, and trust Him to help you be patient like Him.

Today’s Key Verse:
1 Timothy 6:11 But you belong to God…Always try to do what is right, to be devoted to God, and to have faith, love, patience, and gentleness. (ERV)

Today’s Key Thought:

Be patient