I have a confession: Sometimes I get impatient and run ahead. Sometimes I get scared and fall behind.

I have seen the destruction that can come in both of these situations. Sometimes the outcome is not destruction, but a setback that causes me to lose ground. Sometimes my life feels like an endless cycle of doing the right thing at the wrong time.

Several years ago, the phrase “Pace of Grace” entered my mind. I talked about it almost as if it were a mantra. I wanted to live it, knowing I’m so bad at it! The Pace of Grace is simply to walk. It is not to get anxious and try to fix things and figure everything out and run ahead. The Pace of Grace is not to become scared or lazy. It is not to sit still and do nothing. The Pace of Grace is simply to walk. The Pace of Grace is all about faith. It is taking one step at a time. It is simply taking the step that is right in front of you. Many times the next step is taken not knowing where it will ultimately lead.

I don’t know where my steps are taking me right now. I am tempted every day to run ahead and figure everything out. Perhaps I am even more tempted to bury my head and do nothing and hope that things will simply fall into place.

I don’t know where my steps are taking me, but I know that I need to walk.

It is time for me to learn how to walk.

I am tired of running and I am tired of hiding. No more fixing and no more fear.

Lord, teach me the Pace of Grace.

Teach me to walk.

And thank you for being so gracious and kind every time I run or sit still or stumble or fall.