Sometimes Growth is Slow

I was reminded recently that sometimes growth and healing happens so slowly we don't realize we have made progress until something out of the ordinary reveals the change in us.

Last week I traveled to Wisconsin for my grandma's funeral. My daughter stayed behind to continue plugging away with the end of the homeschool year, to work at her first job as a softball umpire, and to play in two softball games. This decision was made pretty easily. My husband and I both knew she would do well without my close supervision, and she was confident in her ability to handle things and in her desire to participate in these activities as she closes out her 8th grade school year. It struck me how different this was from a year and a half ago when I also went back to Wisconsin for my other grandma's funeral. My daughter traveled with me, and there was very little thought of her staying back with my husband while he worked. Hardly without us realizing it, she had changed into someone on the cusp of high school, taking on new tasks and ready for more independence.

As I marveled at her growth, I reflected on changes in my own life over this same time period as well. I remembered how about a year ago my daughter was preparing to go to camp with her middle school youth group. I was excited for her but very nervous for myself. I was worried about what grief, pain, and questions I might find in my head with a lot of time to myself. Ultimately, my fears were largely unfounded, but I wasn't eager to repeat the experience anytime soon. However last week, when it was time to decide if she would travel to the funeral with me or not, I wasn't worried about myself and being alone at all. I had changed too. I was less afraid of my grief, more healed from my grief, and confident to handle each day of the trip as it came.

I've been on the hunt since then, looking for other ways my family and I have been changing. The Holy Spirit is at work in each of us, sanctifying us as we await the return of Christ. Recognizing this work gives us an opportunity to thank and praise God and deepens our trust in Him and His love and care for us.

Phil 2:13 For it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose.