A Year’s Growth
The change from the first page to the final page was amazing
Reference: Be diligent in these matters; give yourself wholly to them, so that everyone may see your progress. (1 Timothy 4:15 NIV)
Explore: Next year our boys will be attending a different school. As our youngest will be entering into prep (this is the first year of primary school for children aged 5 in Victoria, Australia) we have been attending all the orientation sessions.
At one meeting we went to we were shown a current prep’s writing diary. The change from the first page to the final page was amazing.
On the first page the child could not write, but only draw a simple picture. By the middle of the book the child was copying over the teacher’s writing. By the end of the year, the child was writing full sentences and sounding out words on their own.
It was clear to see that this child had been on a significant learning curve throughout the year. It was wonderful to have it all documented in their school writing diary.
Application: Even though I am now an adult, I still go through those learning curves. It may not be laid out as obviously as in a prep diary, but the learning is still present.
Each year my children get older and I have to learn how to show them love and discipline in new ways. Each year my job develops or changes and I must develop and change with it. Each year my marriage progresses and I must adapt to keep working on expressing my love to my husband.
Each year brings change. Some years feel the same as the last, but they are not and we should not feel stagnant. It is our choice to grow and develop in our lives – in our relationships, faith, work and personal development.
Paul’s instructions in 1 Timothy 4 were for those who wanted to be better disciples. The Bible is filled with inspiration and guidance on how we can work to be better people. Let’s not stagnate in our development but strive to move forward in Jesus’ name.
Prayer: Lord, our desire is to be a great example for You. May our progress be towards knowing You better so that others can see Your love and grace. Amen.
In what areas of your life do you feel you have developed this year?
This article was written by Linda Bailey
Linda started theological studies in 1999 in Australia. After working for ten years in various church ministries, she now works as the breakfast producer at 89.9 LightFM - the Christian radio station in Melbourne, Australia. She writes blogs every day about passages she is currently reading in the Bible. Follow her on Google Plus +Linda Bailey or Facebook by clicking the like button on the right of this page.