Learning to Grow Up

It is with mixed emotions that we go through the growing times in life. As a parent in the throes of potty training my 2 1/2 year old, I am elated at the thought of less diaper changes, less messes, and spending less at Sam's! However, it is bittersweet as I realize how quickly time passes and how she was just in a newborn diaper not too many days ago. As each new stage comes, it is greeted with anticipation and excitement for what new things she will learn and a sad loss of what she did not know before. I'm afraid this will always be the pattern as I continue to be her doting mother and she, my baby girl.

Sometimes it's hard to grow up. It's hard to take the big leaps of faith that will change who we are and who we are to become. Thankfully, our Heavenly Father is not afraid of our growth and in fact, He greatly encourages it. I have been going through these growing pains myself recently, but it is good. God is good, and He is good to me.

"Simplicity of heart and freedom from anxiety He expects of us, and gives grace to have both." Jim Elliot penned these words years before his infamous encounter with the Auca Indians. While I greatly doubt the intensity of his mission will be like mine, I have been growing and learning that the "mission mind" is what we are called to have as Christians. Whatever we are in life, we are called to be His first and at whatever cost.

"Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice. Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand; do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. " Philippians 4:4-7

"You're Everything"
You're everything
I could want
That I could need
If I could see You want me
Could I believe?
'Cause You're perfectly
All I want, and all I need
If I could just feel Your touch
Could I be free?
Why do You shine so?
Can a blind man see?
Why do You call?
Why Do You beckon me?
Can the deaf hear the voice of love?
Would You have me come?
Can the cripple run?
Are You the one?
To raise me up
From this grave
Touch my tongue
And then I'll sing
Heal my limbs
Then joyfully I'll run to You.
-David Crowder Band