I was recently reminded of a trip I took to the supermarket three years ago. It was one of those rare occasions where I was able to go alone while JJ watched our son, so I took advantage of my little retreat by visiting the seasonal section of the store before making my purchases.
There’s something about a store’s seasonal section that enthralls me. I love seeing the décor, activities, crafts, gear, and food that accompany each season, and I often leave with some creative ideas of my own for how to better enjoy the coming months ahead.
During this particular trip, the aisles were filled with summer gear—grilling utensils, gardening supplies, water sports equipment, etc. And then there was the tiny section down one aisle filled with fun summer activities for children, which quickly caught my attention since my son had been born earlier that year. My eyes rested on a cute, plastic bucket and shovel meant for building sand castles, and I wistfully thought of the day that Liam would be able to enjoy such activities. I was honestly tempted to buy him the little bucket right then, but I resisted. Liam was only four months old. He was much too young to enjoy such fun activities at this moment in life. He would have to grow a little more before he could enjoy building sand castles and some of the other finer things in life.
As I headed out the supermarket that day, I couldn’t help but wonder if God ever thought of me the same way I thought of Liam that afternoon. Was He waiting for me to grow up a little more in my faith so that He could take me on certain adventures with Him? The idea gave me an even greater desire to grow. I didn’t want to miss out on anything that God had in store for me because I had become stagnant in my faith. I desired to live a meaningful life because it was one walked closely by God, following His lead in the direction in which He moved me. My prayer echoed (and still echoes) the lyrics to a Hillsong United song.
Spirit, lead me where my trust is without borders
Oceans (Where Feet May Fail), by Hillsong United
Let me walk upon the waters
Wherever You would call me
Take me deeper than my feet could ever wander
And my faith will be made stronger
In the presence of my Savior”
Today, Liam is old enough to enjoy playing with shovels and buckets, and fortunately for us, we have a tentative trip planned to the beach later this summer when we visit JJ’s family. It will be Liam’s first trip to the beach ever, and I look forward to seeing his reaction as we sink our toes into the sand and let the waves wash over our feet.
There are quite a few things that I enjoy doing with Liam at this stage of his young life. We sometimes bake together, and we enjoy painting and reading and going to the park, among other things. I still must wait patiently to enjoy certain activities with him for when he’s older, however. He still has much growing to do. Nonetheless, I am learning to enjoy the moment that we’re in (or so trying) and to take advantage of the activities Liam enjoys now while he’s young. He won’t always enjoy tickles or fort making or all my hugs and kisses. As I look forward to what is ahead, I want to remember to enjoy the process and to celebrate each new accomplishment and what each new moment brings.
Perhaps our walks with God are similar. He knows our trajectory of growth. He knows what each new step will bring and how He will mold us more to look like His Son through our journey. As we seek further growth in our relationship with Him, let us be thankful for how far He has already brought us and be encouraged by how He is molding us to look more like His Son each day. It’s a process, but it’s a good one with much to enjoy and celebrate along the way, so let’s press toward the goal and let’s also embrace every God-given moment along the path.
Anticipating Adventure 