“Cause me to hear Your lovingkindness in the morning, for in You do I trust; Cause me to know the way in which I should walk, for I lift up my soul to You.” Psalm 143:8

Have you ever seen a toddler learning to walk? The take a tentative step or two and then plop down on their diaper-padded bottom. Up again. Another few wobbly steps, then plop! There are moments of frustration and pain, excitement and pure joy as they learn to put one foot in front of the other. Pretty soon they are toddling across the whole room, and before long, walking mastered, they are onto new adventures like climbing up the steps, jumping on the bed, etc…

I sure wish my Christian walk was that simplistic. How I wish I could learn to walk once and for all without stumbling and falling so often. I wish the pain and frustration of my failures wasn’t so stinging. I wish I could walk this Christian walk without acquiring so many bumps and bruises along the way. It seems like, after all these years, I should have this mastered. My life should be bursting forth with the fruit of the Spirit-love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, gentleness, faithfulness and self-control. I should always respond with grace and kindness, but nooooooo. Too often I find myself sitting in frustration on the ground and having to get back up (by God’s grace) to take another step.

I am so thankful for God’s patience with me. And that when I fall, He gently picks me up and sets me back on my feet again. Most amazing is that in spite of all of my imperfections, He still loves and uses me. Learning to walk the Christian walk is a lifelong process…