Are You in a Season of Slow or Uncomfortable Growth?
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This past week, I got to spend some quality time with my one-year-old niece. I also celebrated my 36th birthday on Wednesday, so as I was holding Sigrid, I couldn’t help thinking about my own early years and how, somehow, I once was as small as she is. Just like her, I had to learn to crawl, then walk. Just like her, I could only babble, not talk.
I’ve long since mastered walking and talking, but now I’m learning to do other things. And sometimes it feels really uncomfortable and looks really awkward. Sometimes, I feel frustrated by how far out of reach some of my dreams and goals seem. I feel like a toddler, knowing I’m meant to run but not yet able to advance beyond a few wobbly steps.
Sigrid and me.
But as Sigrid reminded me, every stage of growth is valuable and necessary, no matter how humble or inelegant it seems. I could never have gotten to where I am now as a writer, wife, woman, and auntie if I hadn’t first gone through the challenges of babyhood, toddlerhood, and young adulthood.
Through my little niece, as well as through other people and resources, God has been reiterating the truth that growth takes time and that struggle and awkwardness and discomfort are just part of the growth process.
So I’m learning to be okay with that. I’m learning to accept that the season I’m in is a necessary part of the journey. Unlike me, God is not in a hurry, and He’s not worried. He’s brought me this far, and I know He’ll be faithful to complete the work He’s started in me. I'm looking forward to finding out where He’ll take me in the next 36 years!
Are you in a season of slow or uncomfortable growth? Do you wonder if you’ll ever reach the goals or dreams God has put in your heart? If so, take courage knowing that you are growing through the struggle, not in spite of it. You are growing at the speed God wants you to grow so you can develop the strength you need to handle what He has for you next. Just keep abiding in the Vine, and you will bear God-glorifying fruit in His perfect time!
As always, you are in my thoughts and prayers, and I’d love to hear from you! You can contact me here!
In purpose and faith,
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