“The Lord is not slow in keeping His promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.”

2 Peter 3:9 (NIV)

Rain drops like kisses were gently sliding down the soft pearly petals of a single bud sorrounded by a field of little green stems just barely pushing up through the ground. Rain gingerly gracing the unopened blossom then delicately splashing to the soil below.

A little girl, no older than six, approached the perfect petals in her muddy rain boots and mutli-colored umbrella. “Momma,” she said looking up at the slender woman’s hand she was holding. “I want to give you this flower.”

But as the child reached down to pluck it, she felt a light tug at her other arm. “Not yet, little duck.”

The little girl was confused. It was so beautiful now. What was…