Well, since this particular jar didn't have a top, the girls stripped a pink cloth cap off of one of their baby dolls, and covered the top of the jar, as not to lose their new "pet" bug. Not a lot of time passed though, before the fascination wore off for the older children. Kaleb, on the other hand, was engrossed. I watched him studying the ladybug's every move. The more he observed it, the more interested and fascinated he became.
A short while later, Kaleb couldn't take being a passive observer anymore. I saw him pull the cap completely away from the opening of the jar. Then, he began poking his finger around inside, touching the ladybug. Not too long after that, as I knew it would, the bug escaped. Of course, Kaleb was not too thrilled about losing the ladybug. He had all his siblings scouring the house for it too. To him, finding that bug was an important and worthwhile cause.
It's funny how the smallest, most insignificant things carry weight, worth and value for children... at least until they get older and grow up a bit.
Maturity puts things in perspective for us. It helps us to prioritize the importance of the things we face from day to day, and as we continue to allow God to mold us, without a doubt we begin seeing important changes in ourselves. The insignificant things that used to matter to us years ago, no longer hold the same level of importance. In fact, we ought be able to look back on some things and think, "Wow, I really didn't have a clue!" The ability to see the error of your ways is a clear indication that something has shifted in the way you think and see the world.
Take a moment to take a quick look back over your life and identify at least two core areas of growth and progress. It's remarkable what God has done, isn't it? Some of those things and people you used to be engrossed in, fascinated by, and curious about--since you've matured, no longer hold your attention. You don't want the same things anymore. You've grown beyond where you were.
But, make no mistake. Don't think that maturity means that all of your struggles are over and that nothing ever bothers you. No, we're all human. As long as we walk this earth, there will be some stuff we'll have to grapple with and fight against. Yet, when we walk closely with the Lord, He continually molds and refines us.
God's transforming power overtakes us and conforms us into His image.
As you study your word, pray without ceasing, and worship in spirit and in truth, you will consistently notice progressive changes in your preferences, alterations in your behavior, and transformation of your attitudes about many different things.
Maturity is necessary for the fulfillment and advancement of our Kingdom purpose in the earth. As someone once said, "If you want to go up, you must first grow up."
As always, thanks for reading and until next time... may you be empowered to prosper!
Dianna Hobbs
