Well, I did it. I picked up Bird, my baby, from his last day of preschool yesterday. We will attend his graduation ceremony Tuesday evening, mortar boards and all. I am sure I will shed some tears. (I know. It’s only preschool, but give me some emotional latitude here. He is my baby.)
I realized today that along with the pomp and circumstance come new adventures for Bird. He is growing up and beginning to cross the stepping stones of life - stepping stones that will lead him to find his purpose, stepping stones that will grow him in his relationship with God and others. I can’t wait to watch him as he takes this journey.
Our lives hold the same adventure.
We, too, walk through life, traveling from one stepping stone to another. We move along according to our purpose set forth by God. Sometimes, we stay the course. Sometimes we slip. Nevertheless, we take it one step at a time.
Like me however, as you are running down life's road, do you ever wonder if you are growing closer to what God wants you to be?
If you do wonder, look at these verses from 2 Peter 1:5-7. They clearly illustrate the stepping stones on which God desires us to walk, stepping stones which show His Spirit working in us.
“For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness, love.”
As I look at this list, I shudder at the impossibility of walking in these constantly. I worry I slip more than I stay on the course.
Fortunately, my friend Karen reassured me that all these Godly traits are gifts to us from God. We can only walk in them by stepping through life with God. When we receive His grace and allow His Spirit to guide our choices, we will grow in Him. Our lives will reflect His Holy Spirit working in us.
In turn, as others watch us take this journey, God will turn our stepping stones into a path that leads them to Him. And someday, we will all arive at the edge of Heaven's river together.
Have a great weekend!