Learning From an Acorn
Author: Tom Murphy
Yesterday, while walking my dogs into the woods early in the morning, I discovered some acorns. Over the years I have observed, examined and, in my own way, marveled at one of God’s interesting creations. I can remember as a youth how I learned to use toothpicks to decorate an acorn to become a spider. I bet that you too, at some time along life’s way, used the acorn to decorate or fabricate a desired image. Did you know that an adult acorn tree takes anywhere from 20 to 50 years before it produces acorns? A mature oak can produce more than 2000 acorns a year, but only one in 10,000 acorns will grow to become an oak. As one observer wrote, “This speaks to the perseverance it takes to achieve our goals.”
In this age of ‘instant everything,’ we humans seem to lack the patience it takes to confront life’s issues. It’s obvious that we are in a hurry so often that we skip over many things. Life makes so many demands as we make our journey day by day. We often neglect to slow down long enough to see what is really going on around us. We overlook the wondrous things God has placed before us…even an acorn. Sometimes, even the smallest of things can present glorious discoveries and/or stimulating knowledge. I still, after many years, cannot help being captivated by the sight of beautiful flowers, the smell of them and the life they give to creatures surrounding us…especially butterflies and bees.
In our haste, we would do well to remember the advice given by Pastor A.B. Simpson, “Beloved, have you ever thought that someday you will not have anything to try you, or anyone to vex you again? There will be no opportunity in heaven to learn or to show the spirit of patience, forbearance, and long-suffering. If you are to practice things, it must be now.” You know, each day affords countless opportunities to learn patience. So, let’s use our time wisely and enjoy the beautiful things around us…even an acorn. As a bishop friend of mine used to advise me, “Thomas, take time to smell the roses!” I’m still working on that. Certainly food for thought for each of us. There is no time like the present to be quiet, to observe the world around us, and to develop patience in seeking the Will of God. Open that Bible you have somewhere around your home or office. Pray upon God’s Word and wait for the blessings to come.
William Longstaff was so right when he penned these words long ago:
Take time to be Holy, the world rushes on:
Spend much time in secret with Jesus alone.
By looking to Jesus, like him thou shalt be;
Thy friends in thy conduct his like-ness shall see.
Lord, help us to practice patience and wait for your whispers of life to come.
About the Author:
Tom is a retired pastor serving Sunset Drive UMC. He has pastored large and small churches in our Conference and has served as the Charlottesville District Superintendent. Since retirement, Tom has served as Interim Pastor at three churches. He has served the Virginia Annual Conference in many, many ways and continues to offer excitement and joy to his churches.
