“And this is love: that we walk in obedience to his commands. As you have heard from the beginning, his command is that you walk in love.” 2 John 1:6(NIV)
From Start to Finish
How is it possible that my grandson, the one who made me a MiMi, is old enough to start Preschool? It seems he was just a tiny bundle in my arms or maybe a wobbly toddler learning to walk, but SCHOOL? Already? It’s hard to imagine that he’s already grown and changed that much!
Isn’t that just life? I’m walking down the aisle, blink, I’m celebrating our 36th anniversary. One moment I’m parenting children, blink, I’m now parenting adults. I’m a brand new teacher, blink, I’m an “ole” retired one. I’m sure you can give your own examples of how quickly time passes. (Watch out young people, it really is true that the older you get the faster it goes!) Things are rapidly changing all. the. time.
You know what isn’t changing as fast as I’d like though? My growth as a Christian. Some days it still feels like I’m taking wobbly baby steps! I let go, move ahead, stumble, fall down, throw a fit, and then have to start all over. Maybe you’re still learning to walk the Walk like me, too. Here’s the good news: God doesn’t give up on us!
“And I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns.” Philippians 1:6 (NLT)
When we accept the gift of salvation that Jesus offers us, we’re born again. We start over as “toddlers”, learning to think, talk, act, and yes, walk in the ways of Christ. And just as parents (and MiMi’s) are there to steady, guide, pick up, encourage, and love, God is perfectly doing the same for us. Every time we stumble, He catches us. When we fall, He lifts us back to our feet. Each time we whine and complain (throw a faith fit), He lovingly disciplines all the while reminding us that growing takes time.
Yes, time is funny. It can seem to pass in the blink of an eye like when watching a child grow and yet, when looking at our own progress, time can also feel as if it is dragging its feet. BUT, from start to finish, God is the One in control of our pace. He helps us “wobbly toddlers” mature and grow in our salvation day by day and He won’t stop until that perfect time arrives when we don’t just walk, but we run into the arms of Jesus for eternity.
“But those who trust in the LORD will find new strength. They will soar high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint.” Isaiah 40:31 (NLT)
I’m joining http://www.fiveminutefriday.com on Monday this week instead of Friday. I got a late start. “Start” is the prompt by the way. I’d love to know your thoughts on your challenges in your Christian walk and/or examples of how time passes for you. Just jot them down in the comments. Thanks for being here. I appreciate it more than you know!
I know how you feel about the quick passage of time! Our grandson is three already! I think it’s important to remember the journey and to leave marks of passages as we grow closer to Jesus. We don’t see the changes happening within us, but by beholding, we DO become changed. That’s why I love journaling ;).
“God is the One in control of our pace” – I like this sentence, so comforting!
Visiting from FMF today, I also got a late start this week!
It’s comforting to me too Katha (when I remember it!🙄). Thank you so much for taking your time to stop in! We “late start” girls need each other! God Bless!
Cindy, you are so right, time just flies by, especially the older you get. I wonder, can I get this done or that done by then and then “then” has flown by. I’m like, whaaat? ha ha I am by no means perfect, especially in God’s eyes but I think he’s got me right where he wants me doing right what he wants me to do. So I’m hoping he’s smiling. ha ha I think the same may be true for you. Your blog makes us all think about the relationship we have with God and that is something that needs to be thought about every day. Thank you for all your hard work and efforts. I know I enjoy them and think it makes me a better Christian. xo
God Bless You, LaVonne Hammett! Your encouraging words mean more to me than you’ll ever know! XO