Patience is Required When Growing an Oak Tree
by Ann Ferguson
I have children and a husband who are not interested in learning about the Laws of thought. They have resisted every nudge I have offered to read the Jackrabbit Factor and learn more about how these laws operate and why they are so cool.
I get frustrated when no one wants to join me on this quest to create a magnificent life. I try to remember the Law of Gestation when I experience frustration because if not, I will spin into negative places, and behave in ways that are not productive. The truth is, loneliness is hard. When exciting things are happening, because I have kept doubt at bay, and my visions are being realized, I want to share how cool it is. I see miracles happen before my eyes all the time. The people around me don’t even know that I co-created with God. To them it’s just luck or coincidence. When a family member faces a challenge like a job loss and is resistant to my suggestion to visualize what their ideal job is and then start looking, it drives me crazy. I know these laws work. I have tested them over and over and over, My family just thinks I’m a bit kooky. That is a lonely feeling.
One of my favorite statements is “Nothing in nature rushes, yet everything is accomplished.”
It’s a favorite because it reminds me that my nearest and dearest are all walking the speed and tempo that is comfortable to them. Their timing is perfect for their process. God has them in his hands and they are doing fine, according to Him. When it’s time, they will find what they need even if it’s not what I offer to them. Sometimes remembering that is easy; other times it’s not.
The truth is, that when I am feeling frustrated, dismissed, or lonely, it usually means I’m trying to control things that are not within my control. I get irritated and blame God for not controlling what he is supposed to control, according to me. In short, I’m having a pity party and not feeling any gratitude for how long things are taking. It’s hard to admit this but having my friends and family get on board with the Laws of thought is not always all about helping them like I say it is. There are times when it’s all about me, what I want and how fast I want it. Yikes, that sounds pretty immature and self centered. Sometimes telling the truth about yourself is painful!
It’s a good thing I know God loves me anyway; even when my motives are not always as saintly as I would like them to appear. He loves me enough to show me the truth, and asks me to look back. When I take a deep breath and look into my past, I recognize the heavenly help that has been granted to me. God is doing his part. When I realize what has been done. I return to the frequencies of gratitude and patience. From there, I find my peace again and start to experience the joy of creation.
For example, last spring, I asked my husband how he felt about joining the Mindset Mastery course. His response was disheartening. He clenched his jaw, let out an exasperated groan, and stared blankly at the microwave. The awkwardness swelled between us. Silence, staring, clenching. I quickly said, “Based on that groan, your body language, and your lack of an answer, it is obvious you are not willing to consider it. Never mind.”
I walked away; trying with all I had not to let the feelings of rejection and disappointment overwhelm me—deep breath…in and out. Remember, God is his God, too…. I’m ok. He’s ok. Not wrong, just different..
It wasn’t working.
All of my self-talk and “right thinking” was not working. I retreated into my bathroom, drew a bath, and started to cry. “Heavenly Father, this is a righteous desire,” I explained as I sat in the tub weeping. “I know you have the power to change his heart. I want a partner who will vision our future with me. We could do so many great things for you if we were on the same page. Why don’t you help me? I have been asking you for help for years, and yet I still feel alone in my spiritual walk. I have been trying so hard to practice this rare faith stuff even though he doesn’t believe it. You can step in. Do something, anything. I don’t have the power that you do. Why won’t you help me?” My body shook as I sobbed.
Eventually, the tears subsided, my body calmed, and I got still. A memory came to my mind. Thirteen years ago, I was in the tub, crying. I was begging Heavenly Father for help. “Please,” I plead, “Why won’t you help me? My request is a righteous desire. I need your help. How long do I have to wait before you bless me?” I wanted my husband to pray with me at night. I had dreamed of the experience of kneeling with my partner to petition heaven together since I was a child. Every time I asked if my husband would join me he was resistant and became emotionally withdrawn. I was lonely; he felt controlled. It was a silent power struggle. Win/lose That was the game we were playing and I wanted it to change.
As I reviewed the memory, I realized how familiar it all felt—the same feelings of not being heard or helped, different struggle. The reality is, my husband has knelt beside me every night in prayer for the past four years. No resistance. No resentment or power struggle. It’s just what we do now. We pray together. My request for help, from so long ago, was granted, and I hardly noticed it.
Sitting there in my tub, an awareness expanded. The reality of what God was and is doing on my behalf came into focus. I saw how gracious He is in allowing my husband’s right to choose his path and pace. Just like God honors the way and the speed of growth that is comfortable for me. We are both loved, supported, and offered divine grace. I felt gratitude washed over me.
It is a beautiful experience when I accept the fact that I am not alone. I’m just participating in the Law of Gestation. That day, last March, I chose to receive the truth that Heavenly Father and the host of heaven are, in fact, very involved in my life. The truth that even though God cannot move my husband faster than my husband agrees to go. He can comfort my heart and give me evidence that all is well in his hands.
I have thought about the process and speed in which things in nature grow and find similarities with my family members.
A cucumber plant grows pretty quickly. It matures and bears fruit roughly 70 days from the time it germinates. I can see evidence of its growth each day when I go out to the garden to water or weed. After a few months, the growing season is over, it expires. The gestation period and the life cycle are short. It’s very different from the rate and speed that the mighty oak tree in our front yard grew.
An oak tree grows slowly from year to year. Inch by inch, it grows into a source of protection and supporter of other life forces like bugs and birds. It gives life-giving oxygen into the world and shade for everything that draws near to its stable, sturdy trunk. Its life and legacy can span hundreds of years as it stands in its majestic maturity.
There is a gestation period for everything; when I take the time to notice it, I appreciate what is happening within the heart of my husband. I can look back at the evidence that growth is happening. The Lord is hearing me and helping me. I am in the presence of a man who is becoming a mighty, majestic being. I love the Law of Gestation and all of the potential that lies within it.
When you struggle with having patience in your process or the process of others, I recommend asking the Lord to reveal to you all that he has done. Ask for the capacity to see how many answered prayers you have experienced. Where were you seen and cared for in your past? Ask for the experience of sweet surrender as you take a deep breath and allow yourself to feel nurtured, supported, and grateful for the majestic life-giving oak that is maturing within you and others. Before long, you will be surprised at all the heavenly help that is a part of your life. Soon, you will be able to anticipate with patience the sweetness of sitting in the shade of a majestic creation of God. It is not enough to just read about this Law for it to benefit you. You must apply effort. Do it WITH God, and you will find out how sweet patience can be. And you will experience hope in spite of appearances.
Just so you know the rest of the story, I got out of the way and let go of my impatience with my husband’s timing and process. He slowly almost imperceptibly stopped resisting. He attended his first Mindset Mastery class last night! Thank you, thank you, thank you, Father, for hearing me and honoring my husband. I’m so excited for what is on its way!