Twenty-two years ago Janice and I embarked on a journey that we truly were not prepared for and had no idea where it would lead. You see on the 3rd of May our baby girl will be 22 years old and I can hardly believe it. I still remember the piercing cry that this tiny little girl had and even if I watch a video today it makes my ears hurt. I still remember how sweet and peaceful it was to hold her on my chest while she slept. I remember the first time she threw up and how I had to hold her close as she threw up so she would not be so frightened. I remember when she was so dehydrated from a virus that she ended up in the hospital needing IV fluids to get back on her feet. I remember those convenient/inconvenient interruptions when she would come into my study while I was working as I served in my first pastorate. I remember the day she started first grade and for the first time I had to leave her somewhere other than a building I was working in.
I remember helping her with her 5th grade project as we made and tested paper airplanes made from different types of paper to see which would fly the best. I remember teaching her how to drive and the fear that generated within me…it really strengthened my prayer life! I remember her last high school softball game. I remember sitting in the stands at the football stadium and hearing her give her speech as salutatorian of Lincoln County High School Class of 2013. I remember taking her to college and moving her into her dorm room and then driving off leaving her to discover a new adventure…and she certainly did.
It seems like that was just a short while ago and yet on the 13th of this month she will graduate with a degree in Early Childhood Education. I still remember a couple of years into her college experience hearing her heart and passion as she talked about teaching as well as discussing things with her about the Word of God. It has been amazing to watch her grow these years and I am grateful for the heart that she has for God and for what God has in store for her.
So why did I spend all that time talking about Hailey? It’s my article and I can…just kidding! How sad it would be if 22 years later she hadn’t matured as a person, grown in her faith and followed after God. I don’t know about you but I don’t want my Christian walk to be the same a year from now it is right now. Four years have gone by quickly in Hailey’s life but I am confident she is four years more mature in her walk with God. Are you growing in Christ? Are there the clear signs of maturity in your walk with God? If not don’t let the years ahead go by without growing in Christ. One day there will be a graduation/promotion for all of us but I would rather do it with honors when I stand in His presence not with regret because I didn’t give God everything. Give everything to God and walk with Him daily and you will grow and be promoted with honors!
In His Amazing Grace,
Dan