Baby Steps

I have waited a whole year to write this note to you. It is my birthday again and as I sit and think of this past year, I remember mother saying, "Time goes faster the older you get!" Well, that sure seems true, but the clock hands click by at the same rate and I have found that time stands still for no one! 

As I have looked back and reminisced, I see the good, bad and ugly of this past year. God blessed in every situation, but there are some memories that I don't want to deal with (husbands tragic wreck) and some memories I would like to be repeated (playing with grandchildren). But, like the television show, time is like sand quickly running through the hourglass...hence 'the sands of time.'

Aging is a process that begins when we are born and it never slows or stops. It is the process where we learn our first steps, how to read and eventually set free by learning to drive! Then, when you reach a certain time in life, those things tend to reverse on us. My pace seems to be slower, the reading glasses are needed and leaving home is an effort now, and by all means lets be home by dark!! 

In looking at this past year particularly, I have found that I can travel, but God does not mandate it for me to be able to share His love. He can use us right where we are, whether traveling in a State Park and a ranger accepting Christ or a local neighbor critically ill needing someone to care.

When we retired, I wondered what would we do with our time! But, now I wonder how did we have time to work! If you let people know you are available and are willing to help, especially for free, you will stay busy. This gives us opportunity to share the love and hope only Christ gives. 

There is a fellow who volunteers with Samaritan's Purse. His name is Bruce and he is a humble man. Bruce volunteers to help wherever God leads him, but the reason he does is to share the love that Christ gives him. Bruce is like an overflowing cup that spills over and you just can't walk by him without it getting on you!

Did Bruce just all of a sudden realize that Jesus loved him enough that he could share it? No, I have personally watched Bruce start with the baby steps, then reading the Word and studying it, then being set free to 'share' the love of Christ! Since the first time I met Bruce, I knew God had a special plan for him. Bruce first tried to get ahead of God, but like a babe trying to 'run' those first steps, he fell down. But Bruce picked himself up and tried again, holding on to the hand of the Father this time. Step by step, he became stronger in Him until one day, I saw Bruce 'drive' and lead someone to Christ! 

When I get  to see someone like this, never giving up, but keeping on for Jesus, it encourages me. The 'sands of time' may pass, but if we are Christians knowing where we are going, the sands will never run out. So, my birthday today, is just my earthly birthday, a day to celebrate when I came into this world. My real birthday was the day I accepted Christ, in August of 1965. Since that day, I have been taking baby steps and learning to read about Jesus, learning more everyday.

Where are you? Are you like me and Bruce, growing everyday in Him? We all have to figure out where we are to 'serve,' but just holding on to the Hand helps us take those steps. Reach up to Him and hold on! It may be the best steps you have ever taken!! 

Jeremiah 29:11-12New International Version (NIV)

¹¹ For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. ¹² Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you.

Blessings,
gs