Baby Steps

By Mark Swick   

I have fought the good fight,
I have finished the race, I
have kept the faith.  2 Timothy 4:7

s we wake each morning, we struggle to get out of bed.   We toss and turn, back and forth, as if that will do the trick.  We attempt to open our eyes with rubbing fists.  We try and wake the mind by praying to God.  Give Him thanks, and reach down deep to muster enough energy to swing our legs aside the bed.

There we sit, as if we were perched on the edge of a cliff.  Fearful of falling, courage takes over, and we take a leap of faith.  One foot hits the floor and then the other and we stand, losing our balance, as we grab for anything in support.

Having our feet too close together, we wiggle to and fro, just to right ourselves.  And then we inch forward.  One small baby step.  Slow motion takes over. Then the other foot comes along side, or slightly past. We find our posture straightens, and we gain composure.

A small, but larger step follows, and then the other. We find ourselves now free of any grasp, and we build confidence in our movement.  Our eyes open wider and we start to focus on objects within the house.  Something catches our eye.  A memory floods within.  We smile.  Life explodes, and we take a much larger stride.  And then another. 

Soon we are walking with our head up high and kind of a swagger.  Coffee, breakfast and shower, gives us the caffeine to rejuvenate our souls.  We leave the house almost at a run.  Hurry, don’t be late.  The day finds us at a fast pace.  Our commute home gives our feet a break, and we begin to unwind. 

At home we plant them high upon the lounger and they rest.  Later, we rise just like it was a new day.  Small baby steps carry us to our bed.  Sleep prevails, and tomorrow, we will wake, and learn to walk all over again. 

With baby steps, as we walk hand in hand with God. To guide us and keep us from falling.  He is by our side all day long.  Never ceasing to hold us dear, as we walk with Him. 

Strong and steady.  Courageous and confident.  Full of life and wonder.  To live for Him, and to walk with Him, forever and ever, no matter if we take baby steps or not.