One certain truth that I have learned through going straight to the Source (His Word) is that God loves me — and you — far beyond our understanding. Don’t believe that? Why else would he sacrifice His only Son so that you and I can be in relationship with Him for all of eternity?

He loves us just as we are, before we even come to believe in Him and reciprocate that love in our human way. He delights in our giftedness, oddities, insecurities, strengths, joys, and yes, even in our feeble attempts to love Him in return.

But that doesn’t mean we can just say “Well, You love me as I am, warts and all, so I can just go my own way and do my own thing and not give a thought to obeying or honoring You with my actions & speech”. Instead, God makes it clear that IF we love Him, we will rest in and obey Him.

It’s that simple. Rest and obey.

So in response to today’s devotion (Catching Whimsy by Bob Goff), I was challenged to consider whether or not I am following His unique call for me and how I am responding to even any small steps I am making. You see, each step I take should not only be taken prayerfully but also, upon completion, celebration with Him.

I remember a colleague telling me about 15 years ago that she felt led by God to complete a Masters Degree in a particular field. She could, because of her budget, family obligations, and work obligations, etc. “only” take one class per semester. But instead of lamenting what she initially felt was “slow” progress, she changed her focus to celebrating — really celebrating — every single complete course. Celebrating not only with family & friends, but with God.

I need to do the same thing; maybe you need to as well. Let’s both start doing that today!

One step, no matter how faltering or small => celebration.