Who am I? A wife for almost 40 years. A mom for over 36 years. A sister and a friend, of course. Each of these help describe me. But, even more, I have been a Christian since accepting Him as my Savior when I was 12 years old and, this truth defines each area of my life. I have enjoyed some mountain top experiences but have been through some very deep valleys as well. Valleys of incredible grief and even pits of depression. However, most of my days are ordinary, routine kind of days. But in every one of my days, God has been faithful. He has walked with me whatever the day. He strengthens, comforts, encourages and blesses me with life "most abundant."

A favorite life verse: The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly. John 10:10

Why do I write? Though not quite as private as my dad, I am definitely my father's daughter. I find it difficult to share. And to let others in. But I do love to write. I love to put words into sentences and sentences in paragraphs that help express my thoughts. I hope my words help me share my heart. Share the life that God has given me and all that He has done for me and through me. I write with the hope of giving Him at least a bit of the glory He is due.

A verse to guide my writing: That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ. I Peter 1:7

Milestones and Signs of Growth

Posted on By jennifer

Maybe I’m dating myself…but did your pediatrician use a milestones chart during your babies’ first year of check-ups?  Ours was included in a small booklet that I still have tucked away.  During those first twelve months of well visits, the doctor not only logged my little one’s weight and length but also kept track of the little milestones – or achievements – that took place between visits.  Milestones that were anything but little to my mama’s heart.  I  was so tickled to report, dare I say brag, of that first rolling over, sitting alone or pulling up on furniture.  As if no other baby had ever achieved such feats:)

But, as silly or giddy as I might have been, the check marks on those charts were helpful – important, even – to the doctor.  All three of my babies, just like all babies, achieved those milestones at different rates.  (My babies were some of the slowest at deciding to walk!!) But, that’s okay.  There simply needed to be progress.  Evidence of growth and maturity.  Those little charts were evidence of that growth.

Fast forward many years and that exercise is still a valuable tool.  The exercise of purposely looking for – even documenting – progress towards maturity.  Today, I am thinking particularly of our spiritual maturity.  There ought to be regular evidence that we are thriving as Christians.  Baby Christians, young Christians, and even seasoned saints should all be growing.  But growth can be small and areas that lack growth can be overlooked.  We need to regularly pause and to reflect   – how have I grown?  in what areas have I not matured as I should? what needs to be done in order to encourage flourishing?  Ask the Lord’s help.  Are there things that need to be pruned in order to promote growth?  Perhaps just a few small changes will make the biggest difference.

Those well visits for my babies (so long ago) were not necessarily designed to uncover huge problems.  Actually, they were a great encouragement to keep “doing what you’re doing” because my babies were thriving.  In the same way, I’m not suggesting there is gross neglect if our Christian growth seems slow or small.  However, noting spiritual progress –  achievements, if you will – is needful, helpful, and encouraging!

My thoughts today on the FMF prompt: achieve.  Which was a bit more like achievements today…but, that’s ok.  The thoughts of others can be found here.  Have a wonderful weekend!

Five Minute Friday

Comments (8)

  1. Milestones on life’s hard pathways,
    milestones that are passed, unheeded,
    dog-eared pages, book of days,
    milestones that we badly needed
    to gauge just how far we have come
    in the Godly quest to grow,
    but we’ve only just begun
    to comprehend, let alone know
    of wonder of that which we are
    made by the Lord of Formation,
    heirs unto the Magi star
    redefining all Creation
    to save us all from sin’s fell tide
    to stand as God’s kin, by His side.

  2. My daughter watches the achievement milestones closely for her 9 month old son. 🙂 I got some bloodwork results back this week, and it was nice to know I fit within the range of “normal” for the numbers. So I agree with you that even though we can’t measure our spiritual growth per se, it’s nice to sort of keep track of it just to make sure we’re going in the right direction.

    1. Isn’t it wonderful to be “normal”!? 🙂 Yeah for good bloodwork! Glad you stopped by, Lisa.

  3. That’s neat that your doctor provided a little booklet with milestones! I kept all of the pieces of paper that I received at a well visits which included my kids’ height and weight. I like the plant analogy of contemplating areas in our life that may need “pruned” to promote spiritual growth. Lots of wise words here and ideas to ponder. Really good post! Have a wonderful weekend!!

    1. I’m not a big saver but I do have those little booklets – which is not only fun but rather impressive, for me!:)

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