Last week I enjoyed presentations from several pastors at Saddleback Church. One man gave a bare bones bio. His fact sheet included a string of numbers. 

"Nine years on a consulting team, six years in management, twelve years pastoring a small church, seven more years at  Saddleback."

What struck me was how the sound bites of his life fell off his tongue as if they were minutes waiting in line for an oil change. Long while you were tapping your foot but inconsequentially brief as soon as you merged back onto the road. 

Our culture promotes an expectation of instant gratification. If your internet connection churns slowly it's time for an upgrade. If your accountant takes more than an hour to return your call you get ornery. 

But some things simply take time. Artists and antique dealers understand this. Sure you can nab an area rug on sale but a Persian carpet is an investment. 

When I began marriage moats four years ago a voice in my head inclined me toward a wait and see stance. How would these emails pan out? Who would read them? What would I say? 1,460 moats later I have a sense of their identity. 

Relationships fare better off the fast track. I have respect for marriages that have ripened over gradually.