Gradual Growth

Several weeks ago I pulled out an unfinished maternity dress. I'd nearly completed it when I was pregnant with Tristan. However, something was wrong with the back skirt, making it unfit to wear. I'd given up on it, completely frustrated at what I considered a waste of time and money. Now, two years later, as I ripped apart the skirt in search of a solution, the problem was obvious and easily fixed.

Slowly, imperceptibly to me, I’ve grown as a seamstress. Time spent sewing simple aprons as gifts for friends, curtains for the kitchen, and several easy dresses for myself improved my skills. What was hard two years ago is easy today.

So life goes, full of gradual growth. A kind word spoken when I’d rather snap, an invitation accepted when I’d rather stay home, a sacrifice made when I’d rather be selfish, a lesson taught when I’d rather just listen; all these and more work to grow my character in small ways. The ordinary days grow me in ways I can’t see at the time.

My friend, Sister Eva, said to me “Carla, Christ is growing and being formed in you, just as that baby is growing up inside of you.” I can’t see the baby’s growth with my eyes. My belly gradually swells. I feel more movement from the child. Change comes slowly. But miraculous growth happens daily.

Even so Christ grows within me. “Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day.” “That Christ may grow in your hearts by faith.” The baby growing inside isn’t the only miracle gradually growing and changing me. These ordinary days of worship, work and relationships yield more of the fullness of God in me, as I listen to His Spirit.

The dress, representing growth in myself and veiling the growth of my my baby.

Geryll listens to Tristan talk about the twinkling stars, an ordinary moment with extraordinary glory.