Baby Steps Therefore, as you received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in him, rooted and built up in him and established in the faith, just as you were taught, abounding in thanksgiving. Colossians 2:6-7 Baby Steps. One of my friends on Facebook posted a short video of her daughter taking her first "baby steps”. She starts by standing (an accomplishment in and of its own) followed by a step or two before plopping on the floor. Awkward, clumsy, unsteady and precious are words that might be used to describe these early attempts at walking. As I reflected on this short clip, I saw how similar it is to the walk of any disciple as we begin to follow Jesus. And yet, somehow, we learn to walk...off balance and unsteady...just like my friend’s daughter. Sometimes, just standing up is a challenge…let alone taking any steps. At other times, we can feel our Father take our tiny hand in his; emboldened by the confidence he gives us. Clumsy and unsteady...at least at first, we begin to “walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which we have been called. Awkwardly, we try out the steps of kindness, humility, meekness, patience, and love and try to put them into practice. But over time, these steps lead us in to a new life in Christ. Practices that were unfamiliar and challenging become life changing and life giving habits. Gradually, step by step, we find ourselves toddling, then walking and sometimes running as we find that even our smallest "baby steps" are precious in His sight! Where might Jesus be asking you to take a "baby step" in following him? Blessings,
Matthew+ O God, the protector of all who trust in you, without whom nothing is strong, nothing is holy: Increase and multiply upon us your mercy; that, with you as our ruler and guide, we may so pass through things temporal, that we lose not the things eternal; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen. (BCP p. 231) |
