Measuring Growth

Measuring growth is a big deal in our home. Since our daughter was born three months premature, we have always paid close attention to her growth patterns. With the addition of our almost full term son, it’s been amazing to see the difference three more months in the womb make, even after they are welcomed into the world.

In the last six months we’ve moved to a new town and consequently a new house. The other day, my four-year-old son said to me, “Mom, we need to get back to writing on the wall.” Like any other mom, I raised an eyebrow and said, “What are you talking about?” while I quickly examined the living room walls to be sure I wasn’t missing his latest artwork! After realizing I didn’t remember whatever it was he was trying to tell me about, my son went to the wall and put his hand above his head and said “Remember when you would make marks on the wall and write our names?”…AH…I remember now.

Like many families across the world, we measure our children’s growth with a pencil mark on the laundry room wall. We’ve started it again here in our new home and my kids love seeing the growth that takes place over time. It’s encouraging to them to see they are getting bigger. They’ve shown the grandparents and others who visit. They’re excited.

I can’t help but think about my own spiritual growth. As our Father looks down from heaven, can He see measureable, healthy, growth? Am I putting the proper nutrients into my spiritual body so that healthy growth becomes inevitable? Can I measure my growth with my pencil on the wall in my spiritual laundry room?

God desire us to grow. He wants His children to grow into mature, healthy members of the body of Christ. Reading God’s Word, fellowshipping with other believers and praying are a few ways to immediately begin this growth process. How wonderful it is to see healthy, measurable growth in our own spiritual lives, just like the measureable physical growth of our earthly children.

PRAYER: Father, help me be disciplined to live a healthy spiritual life, with habits that will cause spiritual growth. Help me desire Your Word, Your people and Your presence.

“But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen,” 2 Peter 3:18- KJV.

Today’s devotion is by Gina Stinson. Gina is a wife, homeschooling mom and publicist assistant. In her spare time she enjoys reading, writing, playing with her kids, gardening, decorating, piano and being involved in her community and church. Read more about her at http://journalinggina.blogspot.com.