Baby Steps

One of the most remarkable things in the world is watching a baby take their first steps. It’s a process filled with falls, stumbles, and tiny, wobbly movements. Yet, despite the setbacks, these tiny humans are incredibly persistent. The falls don’t faze them—they are simply eager to keep moving forward. After all, they’re finally doing something they’ve watched everyone else around them do for months.

I can only imagine how excited they must feel, especially when they see the joyful faces of those cheering them on. Just think about what might be running through their minds as they take those steps:

“This feels weird.”

“Which foot should I start with?”

“Am I leaning too much in one direction?”

“Uh oh, this is wobbly.”

“Look how happy Mommy and Daddy are!”

“Uh oh, I’m about to fall.”

Some babies pop right back up after falling—only to tumble again because they stood up too quickly. Others take a moment to pause, almost as if they’re calculating the best way to move forward without falling again. And then there are those who decide, for now, that crawling is the better option. But no matter their response, they all have one thing in common: they will get back up and keep going.

We could learn a thing or two from babies. I know I could.

Babies have this incredible ability to be fully present. They aren’t worrying about what happens after they reach the loving arms of their parents. They’re simply focused on their baby steps.

As we grow older, we tend to forget how important it is to take life one step at a time. We rush from one thing to the next, always looking ahead. But real progress happens in the small, steady steps we take. Those baby steps give us the time to assess, adjust, and re-evaluate our next course of action.

Earlier today, I was listening to "Real Thing" by Maverick City Music, a song I’ve heard many times before. But this time, it hit differently.

“Baby steps, my child, to you it may be nothing, but you make Daddy proud.

Your weakness is only my strength.

I hear your questions, and I’m closer than you think, I promise.”

Just as earthly parents beam with pride when their little ones take steps, God delights in our baby steps. We may feel like we’re wasting time, like we should be doing more, achieving more, or moving faster. But in reality, we are exactly where we need to be, moving at the pace we’re meant to go.

I’ve learned in my Christian walk that baby steps help us find our grounding. They allow us to pause, look to our Father, and follow His gentle, welcoming arms. No matter how many times we fall, cry, get distracted, or change direction, He remains on the other side—patiently and eagerly waiting.

With every step we take toward Him, He claps for us and speaks life into us:

“You are fearfully and wonderfully made!” (Psalm 139:14)

“Be strong and courageous.” (Deuteronomy 31:6)

“You are an overcomer.” (1 John 5:4)

“You are more than a conqueror.” (Romans 8:37)

“You are My child.” (1 John 3:1)

“You can do this.” (Philippians 4:13)

“I will never leave you; I am always here.” (Matthew 28:20)

“I’m so proud of you. I love you so much.” (Isaiah 43:4)

Too often, we beat ourselves up for not meeting expectations. I know I’m guilty of this. We didn’t get the A on the exam. We didn’t lose the 10 pounds. We didn’t save the money we wanted. We didn’t get the job after sending out countless applications. The list goes on.

But just as loving parents wouldn’t scold their baby for falling three times in ten seconds, God doesn’t belittle us for failing. Instead, He is right there—encouraging us to get back up, and if needed, reaching out His hand to lift us up.

I know it may seem easier said than done, but as an old friend once reminded me, whenever we're working toward something, it’s all about taking baby steps. So, I want to encourage you with the same reminder—

“You got this. It’s just baby steps.”

Love always,

God's Most Talkative Child