Present Fruit

"The shortest way to peace will be found in casting ourselves upon God for daily pardon of deficiencies and supplies of grace, without looking too eagerly for present fruit."

I've read that Charles Bridges quote before, and today I kept remembering that last part. I am officially gifted at Looking Too Eagerly For Present Fruit. "Ooh, ooh, I read the Bible today. I've been praying about being more selfless. Was I more loving?! Am I more peaceful?! Why did I not help someone today?!!". And then of course I don't see the results I want, and I am discouraged.

So every time I've read that quote I've been so encouraged to remember that looking too eagerly for fruit in life and work now is discouraging, and the point is to be as faithful as we can and to trust that God is doing more than we can see, etc, etc...

...and then I always end up getting really frustrated with myself later in the week when I notice that I'm still frantically taking inventory of my growth, effectiveness, and change. I'm getting discouraged because I'm looking too eagerly for present fruit in my journey to not needing to look for present fruit...

Did I mention I'm gifted in this area?

Anyway, I was thinking about it/needing to remind myself of it tonight so I went to find the quote (love ya, Google). I hadn't remembered the rest of it, and it was so encouraging.

(Side note... for another blog entry someday... I find so much strength and comfort in words. Scripture, poetry, quotes, essays, thoughtful or loving letters from friends... when my emotions and mind are weary or confused, resting on statements of truth feeds my soul and provides a foundation on which I can stand.)

Enjoy :-)

"It is faith" (faith, faith, that means I don't have to see it or feel it right now!) "... it is faith that enlivens our work with perpetual cheerfulness.

It commits every part of it to God,

in the hope,

that even mistakes shall be overruled for His glory;

and thus relieves us from an oppressive anxiety, often attendant upon a deep sense of our responsibility.

The shortest way to peace will be found in casting ourselves upon God

for daily pardon of deficiencies and supplies of grace,

without looking too eagerly for present fruit."

Oh Lord, thank You for Your daily pardon of deficiencies. Thank You that You overrule our mistakes for Your glory.

...ps, i had a sweet day.  errands and roommate time and knitting and christine k and mpm convo and matthilt-and-jill dinner and tamara coffee. oh... and class was fun, too :-P