Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love.

~Ephesians 4:2 NIV

My granddaughters love the pancakes I make and request them for breakfast whenever they stay overnight, which is frequently. Since I make the batter from scratch, the girls are always anxious to help by fetching ingredients and stirring the mixture.

One day, seven-year-old Ade asked if she could try making the batter. Ade is a bit like a hummingbird: never still and always moving quickly rather than cautiously. I was tempted to say no. I felt sure a mess would ensue if I granted her request, and I do so hate a mess. Still, I mused. She did need to learn sometime, and maybe today was the right time. Thus, I reluctantly agreed.

First, I had her read the recipe through, and we discussed what the measurement symbols meant. Then she retrieved the ingredients from the pantry. Next, we measured the wet ingredients and cracked the egg. We followed with the dry ingredients, then added the wet to the dry and mixed everything together. She had accomplished her task.

Yes, flour decorated the counter and the floor. Milk had slopped over, and eggshells had to be picked from the batter. Ingredient containers littered the countertop. What a mess. Yet, Ade’s beaming face and confidence in her success far outshone the cluttered, messy countertop.

Today, she not only makes the batter with little mess but is also adept at pouring the batter onto the griddle. She knows when the pancakes are ready to turn and flips them with ease. But she also cleans up.

In the book of Acts, the apostle Paul had a sharp disagreement with Barnabas over taking along a young disciple, John Mark. Paul had earlier dismissed him for his immature behavior. Barnabas disagreed and felt the young man should be given another chance. He was not willing to give up on him.

Later, in the book of Timothy, Paul, too, had come to see that John Mark was a good and helpful worker. Thankfully, Barnabas had persevered with patience and gentleness, thus aiding this young follower of Christ to grow into a mature and valued Christian man.

Likewise, each one of us has many daily opportunities to be patient and gentle with others who are still growing and learning. After all, who among us can ever say that we have nothing more to learn? We should pray for open eyes and hearts to see those whom God places in our pathway. Then, we can willingly and patiently teach them in whatever ways He may reveal to us. We can also encourage their confidence and maturity. After all, isn’t this what God does for us?

Be patient with others as God is with you. 

Father God, help me today to be willing to help others to grow and mature as the needs and opportunities arise. In Christ’s name, amen.

Genre: Non-fiction

Copyright 2026: The Pancakes: Lynne Phipps: All Rights Reserved.