Each step may seem an eternity

Business transactions in the old days are always done with a handshake. In major ones a ceremony will be conducted. Each culture is a little different but generally this is how it is done. However, people discovered how to make parchment and eventually paper, and started writing on them. The verbal contracts became written. When Jacob reconciled with Laban they came to an agreement that was concluded with a ceremony and a symbolic structure. No paper was used then.

Genesis 31:44-46, Now therefore, come, let us make a covenant, you and I, and let it be a witness between you and me. ”So Jacob took a stone and set it up as a pillar. Then Jacob said to his brethren, “Gather stones.” And they took stones and made a heap, and they ate there on the heap

This was an important milestone for Jacob. After 20 years of being away from his family and Canaan the promised land, Jacob is called back by God.

Genesis 31:3, Then the Lord said to Jacob, “Return to the land of your fathers and to your family, and I will be with you.”

What was meant to be a short trip to find a wife ended up being a 20 year trip. Are we ready to wait? There are things God wants us to do, learn and experience along the way. When Jacob made the covenant with Laban, it was agreeing that his return to Canaan is one way. There is no turning back.

Our life journey is like that. We need to take one step at the a time, and each step may seem an eternity. Before you know it you have done 30 years of corporate life.

Father, help me understand the times and seasons and be obedient to your next steps for me.

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