Baby Steps

Several years ago there was a popular movie out called "What About Bob?" The storyline revolved around a man who was surprised to find that his life was manageable when he took 'baby steps'. Baby steps allowed this germ-a-phobic man to leave his apartment, ride a bus and develop meaningful relationships. I laughed my way through many of the ridiculous things he encountered all because I saw myself wearing his shoes. Slow transitions or jumping right in, the Lord made some people to be grand leapers in life . . . but me He made to be a baby stepper.

I look back on the last year of my life and I realize that I've devoted a lot of time to this blog. The Lord has worked in and through me to expose my heart in ways that I didn't even know was possible. I've been more honest and open than I ever realized that I could be and thankfully He has helped me take the baby steps needed for my growth in drawing close to Him.

Right now I'm feeling like I'm being taken on a new journey - one that I'll admit scares me a bit because I'm being stretched. Thankfully this journey outside of my box is in the loving tradition of the baby steps that typically bring me comfort but all the while my heart aches a bit because I'm drifting ever so slightly from the friendships that I've come to cherish. I dearly miss the ease with which I've written in the past. I'm missing the long emails that sought answers to many tough questions about God but while I allow myself this sentimental tug at my heart I know deep within me that I'm where God wants me to be.

My mentor told me the other day that the dash that appears between your date of birth and your date of death represents your life and one day we will stand before the Lord and have to give account for what we did with that dash. He gave us gifts and abilities and blessings that He intends for us to use to bring glory to His name. I pray that when I stand before Him this time of stretching will prove to be a gem in my crown.

Thank You, Jesus, for staying with me every step of the way - every baby step of the way.
I love You, Lord.
Father, it is in the blessed name of Your Son, Jesus, that I give You all honor and glory.
Amen and amen.
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