Small Possible Steps

Our culture puts a big emphasis on growth and progress.  We are urged to focus on the growth and progress in countless different aspects of our lives.  Whether it’s our fitness, careers, or various life skills, we are continually urged to improve and achieve progress that can be measured and is visible to others.  It should be no different in our spiritual lives.  This should be the one area that takes precedence over all others when it comes to focusing on change and growth.  Ultimately, it should be the area of our lives in which the most growth and transformation can be seen, by ourselves and others, and of course, by God.

Something I enjoy doing is looking back at old journals, notes, posts, and anything else that helps indicate the faith I had in high school, college, and really any time before the present moment.  Being able to look back and reflect on the disposition of my heart and level of my faith at different times and see how I have grown in my love for God and in the depth of my faith is good and worthwhile.  In my reflecting and looking back, I have been able to recognize how God has worked in my life, even in the times I may not have noticed Him.

Growth in our spiritual lives is absolutely vital.  If we’re not moving forward, it means we’re either standing still or moving backwards.  We must not be satisfied with this.  Each day, our focus should be on drawing nearer to God.  Strengthening our faith and cultivating a deeper prayer life is where we should work to see the most progress.  There is no end to growing closer to God on this side of heaven.  We will never be close enough until we see Him face-to face.
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Growing in our spiritual lives does not happen overnight.  It is a long, challenging, and sometimes arduous process.  There are many obstacles that get in our way.  We can be dragged down by the culture.  Whether it’s the media, various temptations, the influence of other people, or simply our own weaknesses and doubts, it can often feel like an uphill battle.  The path we walk to grow closer to God will be challenging and not always smooth.  But it will be beautiful and fruitful.

When I think of my faith journey, I can recognize that I have been transformed and have seen a lot of growth and progress over the years.  However, I know that I have a long way to go.  I have a lot more to learn and much more growth to experience.  I am not even close to where I need to be, but with the help of God, I am taking small steps.  

Each day, we must open our hearts to God and invite the Holy Spirit to work in our lives.  It is through our ‘yes’ to God and our willingness to be changed and transformed that we will see and experience a deeper and stronger faith.  Servant of God Chiara Corbella Petrillo’s personal motto and a commonly repeated phrase was “piccoli passi possibili,” which means “small possible steps.”  That is all it really takes.  A willingness to let God work in our hearts and lives and a desire to make progress in our faith day by day.  May we all take small, possible steps walking closer to God always.