Day 28

Chapter Twenty-eight: It Takes Time

Today's chapter was really good, I liked the fact that it spoke on how it takes time to mature in our faith-in becoming Christ-like. I have been expecting some great transformation within myself, as I struggle each day with some of the same old temptations...habits..etc. Knowing that I am not going to experience an overnight miraculous change makes me less anxious.

Today we are obsessed with speed, but God is more interested in strength and stability than swiftness. We want the quick fix, the shortcut, the on-the-spot solution. We want a sermon, a seminar, or an experience that will instantly resolve all problems, remove all temptation, and release us from all growing pains. But real maturity is never the result of a single experience, no matter how powerful or moving. Growth is gradual. -Rick Warren

The concept is so simple...yet I have been guilty on many occasions of belieivng that some experience I have had has significantly changed me, when in a few months or years I am back to my "old self" again. I do know that over the past 3 years I have changed, but it was not an overnight thing. And there are people in my life who still see me as a mixed up teenager. I wonder if they are willing to know me now.

There is only one way to develop the habits of a Christlike character; you must practice them--and that takes time. -Rick Warren

I realize with this statment that in forming my habits, I also have to wait for others to realize that is who I am now...

Write down the insights and life lessons God teaches you about him, about yourself, about life, relationships, and everything else. Record these so you can review and remember them and pass them on to the next generation. -Rick Warren

I am a big fan of journaling these days...I hope to pass something along to my children of myself for when I am gone. More importantly I want to pass on to them my faith...something that in retrospect would have been a wonderful gift to myself as a child. This is also interesting because the next Bible study at my church is about journaling...perhaps God is telling me something?

Point to Ponder: There are no shortcuts to maturity.

Verse to Remember: Philippians 1:6 God began doing a good work in you, and I am sure he will continue it until it is finished when Jesus Christ comes again.

Question to Consider: In what area of my spiritual growth do I need to be more patient and persistent?

I need to be much more kind to those I love--especially my immediate family. They see the very worst of me every day, and I often feel like I am the furthest thing from being Christlike. I need to practice more patience with my children and my husband...a habit that really needs to be formed. And I need to also let go of thinking that the "world" views me as a bad person. I know I am not who I used to be, but I am far from who I want to be. I know that those who really love me will let me journey to that point...