When you’re watching something day in and day out… you don’t always notice growth or change. The daily increase is just too small to observe. Often, we need to step back and monitor change throughout a much bigger time frame. We’d probably view the progress more accurately if we laid it at the Father’s feet and then came back later to see what He’s done.

Here’s a visual for you:

This hydrangea was a new-baby-hospital gift from my good friend Carrie & family. It came to us in a little 6-inch pot. The blooms were originally blueish in color… so appropriate for a baby boy. As you can see, in one year’s time, the plant has flourished!  My green-thumb hubby transplanted it into this large pot, and it just went wild! These hydrangeas are one of the most beautiful blooms in our backyard.

It nearly took my breath away when I saw little Levi standing next to the thriving plant.  Lo and behold!! I was reminded that growth DOES happen. Even when it doesn’t feel like there’s any movement, any upward motion, any progress.

Feeling stagnant? Focused on your failures? Take a look back and ask the Lord to show you how far you’ve come. He will point out the work that He has faithfully overseen in your life. He has been tending to your needs and challenging you in certain areas. You are growing. You are flourishing. According to Ephesians 2:10, you are His handiwork!

I’m no longer concerned about saving money for my children’s college education. What I really need to do is start a therapy fund for them. They are going to need some professional help after being my child for 18 years!

Many things combined to make this week another difficult one. Baby and I were hit with a cold. My hormones are performing one death defying loop-the-loop after another. I am allowing homeschool to present an endless list of to-do’s instead of fun learning experiences.

This morning, I read a timely devotion from Streams in the Desert. Here’s the part that got me:

Left alone. What different emotions these words bring to mind for each of us! To some they mean loneliness and grief, but to others they may mean rest and quiet. To be left alone without God would be too horrible for words, while being left alone with Him would be a taste of heaven!

Our Master (Jesus) set an example for us. Remember how often He went to be alone with God? And there was a powerful purpose behind His command, “When you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray.”  (Matthew 6:6)

Earnestly desire to get alone with God. If we neglect to do so, we not only rob ourselves of a blessing, but rob others as well, since we will have no blessing to pass onto them.

The fact is that when I do not find time daily to be alone with God and allow Him to fill me, I am getting by instead of living. I am surviving instead of thriving.

This week I realized that when I am only surviving, then my kids are doing the same. I want to see them THRIVING, not surviving. They deserve the best! I need to lead by example here…. and I can only do it by getting alone with God!

This week marks a spiritual birthday for me. In 1988, I made a decision to follow Christ on Valentine’s Day. It was a Sunday…just like this year.  A week later, on February 21st, I was baptized. My life changed forever.

I’ve learned so much in that time. I’ve been through so many ups and downs. Seasons when I was thriving, and seasons when I felt barely alive.  I’ve received so many blessings and so many life lessons!

What have I learned, finally, after twenty-two years that I wish I had learned earlier?

God’s grace is REAL. He does forgive. We do get chances upon chances. He loves you the same no matter how you “perform”.

God’s word is ALIVE. He speaks… so “listen” when you read!!

God ALWAYS provides. Always. Period. Just be sure to wait for His provision instead of chasing your own.

God loves ME. Yes, me. And, yes, you too. Close your eyes right now and imagine yourself with Him. Be quiet and let Him speak to your heart!