One Step at a Time

It has been a while since my last blog entry, but I didn't want to write just anything. I know I have been using the metaphor of life is a journey and the journey should be enjoyed, so I will continue with that theme.


The past couple of weeks, I took time to enjoy life. For the Chinese New Year / Valentines Day / Presidents' Day weekend, I went home to the San Francisco Bay Area to see my mom and sister. Then the next weekend, I celebrated with a friend her six year anniversary being clean and sober going out to dinner. Then the next day, a bunch of our friends went to Lodi for a concert.


Despite a bittersweet work week, where "corporate" actually dismissed my boss and another in a high position for early retirement (I think), the remainder of us had to work through all the changes as the job required. Actually, our facility went through a state inspection, which revealed our facility was deficient in several areas, leading to the early retirements of those involved.


Like the metaphor of life is like a roller coaster, that week really was a downer week.


Then I had to attend to personal business. In my family history, there is occurrence of colon cancer. And I had some blood come out with bowel movements, so I needed to get that checked out. I had a consult and exam with the gastroenterologist's office and will soon schedule the colonoscopy.


The state returned to our facility with a surveyor in my area of safety and environment of care. Then we just received the report and make their recommended changes. Some policies and procedures at work had to be changed to comply with the state's findings.


Recently life has been tough, but it's part of life. C'est la vie. We just need to take life one step at a time.


Sure, there are deadlines as life demands. But in the greater scheme of things (especially for better mental and emotional health), we need to slow it down. Take your time. Mistakes are made when we rush through them. Haste makes waste. Be methodical.


It is not good to have zeal without knowledge, nor be hasty and miss the way. --Proverbs 19:2


Perhaps you've heard this one: How do you eat an elephant? One bite at a time.


How can we survive this long journey of life with all of its ups and downs? One step at a time.


A man's steps are directed by the Lord. How then can understand his own way? --Proverbs 20:24


We need to be still and know God's direction for our lives. We cannot hear Him if we're not attentively listening to His direction. And that requires us to take our time, one step at a time.


Often life can be overwhelming. But don't give up. Perseverance is a mark of maturity. Giving up is a mark of immaturity.


So many times I've thought of giving up, throwing in the towel, accepting defeat. But you can not ever succeed if you just quit. Perseverance and diligence are good character qualities.


Watch your life and doctrine closely. Persevere in them, because if you do, you will save both yourself and your hearers. -- 1 Timothy 4:16


So take a step of faith. If you have never taken the BIGGEST step of faith, accepting Jesus into your life as your personal Lord and Savior, all you need to do is to pray a simple prayer.


Lord Jesus, give me Your strength, Your wisdom and Your love. Please forgive me for my sins against You. Please help me walk with You in my life. Thank You for you are Holy and Almighty. In Jesus' name  I pray, Amen!


Have you taken that step of faith? Thank God for your life journey each and every day. It takes just one step at a time, but we can make it through life's journey with God's help.

Blessings,
Garret