Another Baby Lesson

My spiritual zeal has been on the downside lately. I have weeks of unread daily bible reading subscriptions and reading any inspirational story felt like a “drag”. Even writing which is the one thing I have always loved to do is taking a back step. I felt physical exhaustion every time I come home from work that I see myself simply looking at my son play instead of me partaking in that father and son moment. I toss and turn during my sleep without any apparent reason. Thoughts easily come by and go.

Maia, our 7 month old baby, is trying to learn to stand up by herself. What a sight to delight at her skills and natural instincts. Carefully observing her made me recognize the crucial basic steps she takes for her to reach her goal – look for something to hold on, grab and pull herself up, balance herself and let go of both hands before taking steps. She would eventually fall down but would amusingly smile and simply try again.

Her innocent and intrepid actions led me to re-discover some basic truths on how I should respond to the daily grinds in my life.

Look around my immediate environment and see what kind of God-works can be done. The challenge is to look first inside myself and change any hindrances or hang-ups for me to start my daily goal. Search my inner self and discover the strengths I can use and detours I may encounter. Focus on the strengths and, thereafter, hold unto them.

Procrastination is a no-no and instead grab each opportunity as it presents itself.

Balance myself with regards to my time management, what needs my utmost and undisturbed attention, what are secondary in significance and what are clutters that can be filtered out.

Let go of things that are beyond my control and let God have His way in the end.

I will experience “slowing or falling down” moments but I can pick myself up and try again with a smile. Because just as our baby Maia has known, the secret is not primarily in my efforts, but in believing that my Father will raise me up if I find it hard to get up. He is lovingly watching over my every step no matter what pace I’m into. Nowadays, I know He waits for me because I have slowed down a bit.

I’m taking a breather to pull myself up once again.
I will learn to stand and run again.

Thank you, Lord for speaking to me through my child, through my fatherhood.


You raise me up so I can stand on mountains
You raise me up to walk on stormy seas
I am strong when I am on your shoulders
You raise me up to more than I can be
- Josh Groban