Growing Up

3 weeks

4 months

8 months

When you hear the words growing up, what do you think of? How do you feel? Some people feel sadness as if growing up is a bad thing. They want their child to stay a baby forever. When I see how Thomas is growing up, I think WOW! I am amazed that just over a year ago he was still inside me, depending on my heart, lungs, and nutrition. But now, he can breath, walk, and eat on his own (to some degree). It is amazing to watch him grow up, witness him mature, learn, and explore.

I too have been growing over the last year, not physically but spiritually. I am thankful for a group of close friends who are encouraging me to grow up and are celebrating with me as I grow closer to God. I know that as God witnesses this growth, He too thinks WOW!

God wants all of us to grow and mature in our faith, and we can only do that if we are in a relationship with him. That relationship requires time, sacrifice, and even some suffering. The difference in children growing up and the growing of our faith is that children become more independent as they grow. But as I grow in my faith, I do NOT gain independence, instead I see my complete dependence on God. I need him and without him I am a mess. The things I try to do on my own fail, but when He wants to accomplish something in me, if I am willing, His plans will succeed. Growing up is difficult but so worth it!

1 year, WOW!

Blessed is the one
    who does not walk in step with the wicked
or stand in the way that sinners take
    or sit in the company of mockers,
but whose delight is in the law of the Lord,
    and who meditates on his law day and night.

That person is like a tree planted by streams of water,
    which yields its fruit in season
and whose leaf does not wither—
    whatever they do prospers.

-Psalms 1:1-3