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Everything in Its Own Time A boy wanted to pick a peony to give to his mother for her birthday. But when he went to pick one from the garden, he discovered that all of the peonies were still in the budding stage. With a look of disgust, he picked the largest bud and tried to force it open. But when he finished, he had com- pletely ruined the budding flower. What would have become a beautiful large red peony was simply a mashed mass of half-formed petals in his hand. All things bloom in their own time. That is especially true for human beings. Unfortunately, we never know how long that is going to take. And so it makes sense to be patient with the efforts of others as well as with our own. Otherwise, we risk the danger of forcing what should not be forced, and of expecting more than can be given. God shows his gentleness by expecting no more of us than we are able to give. We need to show that same kind of gentleness to others and to ourselves. Lord, give me patience with myself and with others, the same kind of patience that you have with me. May I learn to accept limitations, and not cause harm through unreasonable expectations.