Gradual Growth

After breakfast, Thatcher sat quietly as his dad read a passage of Scripture. "Well," said Dad as he closed his Bible, "these verses tell us that God is working to help us develop the same character traits Jesus has and become more like Him." Dad looked at his family. "Has anyone noticed ways He's been helping you do that in your life?"No one said anything for a moment. Then Thatcher spoke up. "I don't get in fights as much as I used to, and I don't cheat on spelling tests anymore. And I like church better now too." His brows furrowed. "But I haven't been changing much lately.""Well, we never stop growing as Christians," said Dad. "But often it's hard to pinpoint where the changes are taking place." After they discussed the verses a little more, Dad led them in prayer. Then they all gathered their things for a trip to visit Grandma, who lived several hours away.When they got there, Grandma greeted them eagerly. "You've grown!" she exclaimed as she hugged Isla. "I see you've lost some teeth too!""Thwee teeth," lisped Isla."And Thatcher, you must be six inches taller," said Grandma, hugging him. "My! You're a young man now!" Throughout the day, she frequently commented on how much they had changed.As Mom tucked Thatcher into his sleeping bag that night, he said, "I didn't think I had changed much since the last time we saw Grandma, but she couldn't stop talking about how much I've grown."Mom laughed. "I know. I often don't notice how you and Isla grow either--until you grow out of your clothes, that is! I guess I see you too much to notice the gradual changes." She gave Thatcher a hug. "That reminds me of what we were talking about this morning. Maybe we're too close to ourselves to notice gradual changes that make us more like Jesus. But Grandma saw them. She mentioned how you and Isla played together without fighting and were quick to help when asked.""Really?" asked Thatcher."Really," said Mom. "Trust that God is working in you to make you more and more like Jesus every day." –Hope L. Aderman