what. a. week.

Well I have completed one full week at Suubi in the process being able to work at each of the different areas in the home; babies, special needs, small toddlers and big toddlers. Quite the experience in each one of them to say the least. I’m positive every single day I write in my journal that, ‘this has been the most exhausting day yet.’ My least favorite would be the big toddlers, not just for their persistent energy but just that age in general. Some people are gifted and have the ability in them to serve these kids amazingly. I do not. Simply put. : )

I would rather spend my hours in the baby or small toddler room. For each section in the home comes the specific nannies that are skilled to work with the specific age group they are with. Special needs, like the other areas, require a whole lot of patience and a huge/tough heart. The stories are hard and can touch your heart in a deep place you maybe didn’t even know existed. You must be willing and ready to accept that progress may not be seen for a long time. Growth is gradual.

This is funny how these words come about ‘growth is gradual’. The last of my few devotions in January were all about how growth is gradual, guaranteed and gracious. I see this in my own life as well. Babies and kids take a long time to grow and develop. They make a lot of mistakes before they finally mature in an area. Being here with toddlers, I’ve noticed kids fall. And when they fall, they fall hard. Usually right onto their butts, a few tears and then they get up and a few seconds later, they generally fall again. But eventually, despite all the falling, the tears and the oh-so-hard work - soon they are walking. Unsteady at first but then gradually stronger.

It’s a process.

I see this oddly similar to my spiritual life. Which technically shouldn’t just be a life category, (social life, spiritual life, emotional life) but our whole lives. But that’s another post :) A person is never quite done growing all the days of this earthly life. It’s a growth where God continues to daily, hourly give you the grace to keep on the race he has created just for you. Your growth never stops. You may be unsteady at times and fall right on your butt but the key is to keep getting back up, persevere and learn from why you fell. You’ll never get anywhere if you sit on your butt.

We must never lose the willing spirit to learn.

When you’re willing to trust, growth is gradual, guaranteed and gracious. He will ALWAYS meet you where you are at; whether that is on the floor or running like the wind.