We have been fighting over the steps for more than a week now. Edson loves steps! He does especially good going up, but coming down is a scary scene. We don’t have the wooden rails to block the steps. I guess I could have one made, but “why?” We have been putting bin or bags in front of the steps so that he sees mountains instead. Well, that also means that WE have to climb over the mountains, and it looks bad! It looks messy! It’s also dangerous for us big people!
Today I spent about an hour going up and down steps and trying to teach Edson to come down. He thoroughly enjoyed the quality time I was giving him and the exciting adventure of going up the stairs. Some times he would fall, but I was close enough to grab him and set him back up to go up or down. This went on for a while. We have tile floors so his legs and knees were taking quite a beating, but none the less he would not stop. A friend’s timely visit allowed us to rest for a while.
While I was wishing I was doing something else, other than crawl up and down the steps, the Lord turned my thoughts to myself. How many times do I try to get up “those steps”, and then fall or don’t know how to come down? Thankfully, he is beside me and I don’t fall too hard. Then I thought of a new Christian. When someone receives Christ, are WE there to help them crawl? Are we teaching them how far to go, when to stop, HOW to stop, and how to get back up after a fall? Are we encouraging them and leading them or putting up a blockade and saying “NO”, you can’t go there. No, you can’t do this!” If we put up that barricade, they won’t know how to go about the Christian life on their own and they could fall BIG TIME when that barrier is finally gone. But, if we walk the Christian life with them, taking time with them, helping them, guiding them, and teaching them; then they will be ready to take those big steps on their own.
I was so thankful for that lesson today. I am so amazed at how much like babies we really are. I am thankful that God is such a patient father! It helps me be more patient, with Edson and with my newborn Christian friends at church.
1 comment:
Both training a baby and discipling a new Christian take time, love, and a willingness to stick by them, no matter their decisions. It's hard work! I pray I have the desire to give whatever it takes to disciple.
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