A Note from Jim
“Even now says the Lord, return to me with all your heart. Return to the Lord, your God, for he is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love.”
Joel 2: 12-13
During the past couple of weeks, our home in Madison has been filled with little steps. Maria and I have found much joy and excitement, as Andrew has been furniture cruising all around the house. He takes little steps moving around the furniture, and gaining confidence in his ability to balance while standing. When we hold his hands, it is truly amazing how fast he moves while walking! Each day that goes by, something new happens, each day Andrew gets a little stronger and more interested to go from crawling all around the house, to taking little steps and begins his life journey of walking.
Entering into this season of Lent, is much like taking a walk on a Lenten journey to Easter. The journey begins during Ash Wednesday, February 25 through Easter Sunday, April 12. It is a time to pause and reflect. It is a time to be in prayer and worship. It is a time to encourage one another as the family of God. It is a time to serve and be the hands and feet of Jesus in our local communities, country and world.
I want to encourage you today, as you enter into this special time and season of the Christian journey to take “little steps” to pray, reflect, meditate, worship and to read in God’s word. Take time to reach out to old friends and make new ones. Mend some of those old fences that have been broken relationships in our lives.
Jesus will give you strength and encouragement for the journey. As we take “little steps”, he is with us. He is right by our side holding our hands, or carrying us. He loves us, each “little step” of the way on the journey.
Do you not know? Have you not heard? The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary, and his understanding no one can fathom. He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.”
Isaiah 40: 28-31
In Christ’s amazing love and grace,
Jim
