First Steps Bring JOY

Late yesterday I received a text from one of my daughters-in-love which exclaimed that the "baby" had taken his first steps!  His parents were excited, his big brother and sister were excited and, of course, Papa and GiGi  were excited!  It may have been something that seems simple to us as adults, but it's such a milestone in the life of little ones.

I can just imagine that the JOY I felt in my heart for our little fellow's accomplishment is something akin to how God feels when we take baby steps in our faith.  He's glad when we make any kind of progress toward growing closer to Him.  Whether it's a tiny step, several longer strides or a giant leap in faith, our Father is JOYful about it!  Doesn't that bring joy to your heart just knowing that you've brought JOY to Him?

So as we begin this New Year, 2011, let's pray and strive toward stepping closer and closer to Him.  May He give us opportunities to grow the Fruit of the Spirit in our lives: Love, Joy, Peace, Patience, Kindness, Goodness, Faithfulness, Gentleness and Self-Control!  If we will allow Him to have total control, we might not only be "walking in the spirit"...but, also, "dancing with JOY"!