Have you ever noticed how a newborn baby stretches? They really s-t-r-e-t-c-h! Their tiny hands are above their heads. Their elbows locked into position, little legs outstretched with unbendable torsos. Determination to lengthen every muscle, increase oxygen capacity of every blood cell and make room for imminent growth.

Could it be that this physical action is a signal to all of us and the little one’s insides that things are going to be changing, and changing soon. During the months ahead tremendous growth will take place. In the area of physical growth this new creature will learn to: sit without support, crawl, pass an object from hand to hand, and stand alone without support. This type of physical or motor skill development will typically occur during the seven to eleven month time frame and reflects only one facet of the numerous areas of developmental changes that occur in a typical newborn.

From the palpable intensity involved in this serious baby stretch, these individuals are anticipating the new heights they will reach as they look at those around them that have advanced beyond their point. They seem to have an insatiable desire to achieve those skills they see showcased around them. In many cases the babe is exposed to admirable behavior. At times their environment reflects lack of preparation for their needs, and yet for the most part they adapt. In some instances they learn to make lemonade out of the overflow of lemons they receive.

Growth – the development from a simpler form to a more complex form takes place with the babies. Their physical abilities are an indication that growth has taken place. There are even growth charts to indicate if the child’s development is typical or not. Parents and other loving caregivers can look forward to see what is coming next and help prepare the child and their environment for the next phases of growth. Providing support and a nurturing environment is the loving duty of the parent. Casual onlookers can usually determine a ballpark age for the typical child based on their developmental resume. There is evidence of the growth.

Have you been doing any baby stretches? Not because of your physical growth, I venture to guess most of your physical growth spurts are behind you. How about in preparation for your upcoming spiritual growth? Do you anticipate the changes that will be happening to you spiritually? Do you look forward to stretching to a more complex leave of abilities in the spirit? Do you look the progression of your spiritual growth by comparing your life to that of Jesus the Christ? Do you have a relationship with God? Do you strive for perfected love, which gives glory to God?

When you see an obstacle in your path do you sit and complain? Do you wonder why others were given less problems, challenges or adversity than you? How do you know that you are growing?

I have spent a great deal of time in the company of toddlers over the past several weeks. They seem to have a boundless drive to move to the next stage of physical development. One of the toddlers has moved from crawling to a walker. He has logged many miles on that walker at top speed in just a few weeks. He is the youngest in the household and keeps up well with everyone else that is walking and dodging him in the speeding walker. The other child is at that stage known very well as the terrible twos. I am not sure who first coined the term but I thoroughly understand why it is apropos for this little energetic 24 month old.

If she sees someone else do something, be it: turning a lock, pressing a button, or walking into the kitchen to put something into the sink, she moves into that same space and mimics what she has seen. Her legs are significantly shorter, her body strength considerably less, even her inability to see over the sink causes her be blind to untold dangers lurking on the counter top, yet she attempts to pull herself up to the counter by scaling the lower cabinets anyway.

Neither of these precocious tykes produces a list of their shortcomings and meditates on why they will not try something. Dare I say many of their growth experiences have been in spite of the opposition they get from others? I don’t see them ask themselves any questions about what others will think or what will happen if they fail. From the outside it appears they can see something being done then they can (and might I add will) do the same thing—whatever the cost or effort involved.

Seemingly there is an internal drive to achieve their foreseeable potential, regardless of obstacles, including sleep-deprived parents. They show an ability to know what is on that milestone growth chart and the drive to get things done!

What about us? What about our spiritual growth? Do we acknowledge our innate potential? Are we driven to measure ourselves against the standard of the Word, our Makers manual and directive? Do we pursue our purpose, love ourselves and draw on that inner strength no matter how big the obstacle in view. Are we any less equipped? Has our loving Father supplied us suitably with tools? Will our loving Father guide and nurture us?

Take Inventory and Take Action!

Part of loving yourself is recognizing your strengths and honoring them! So Baby let’s start stretching, it helps us our innards to know we will be doing some mighty powerful growing!

Love,

Deborah

“Lighting the path to loving your neighbor as yourself.”

Image courtesy of: www.babble.com