Slow Steps (08/30/2026)

This last week as I was out and about running errands, I noticed a mother with a toddler. As I watched, the toddler tried to walk on her own. The wobble was accented perfectly by the broad grin on the child’s face. Small steps, slow steps, but steps nonetheless. And I was reminded of Padre Pio’s words: “Be content to progress in slow steps until you have legs to run and wings with which to fly.”

In our “instant” world, patience is not one of our favorite virtues. And yet we know in our hearts that it is the grease of progress. Our journeys following Christ in faith, hope, and love are not instant. We make our way slowly. Like the toddler, we make small steps at first. It is only with perseverance through faith, hope, and love fueled by the grace of the Spirit, that we can make this journey at all.

If only we could be more like the toddler, full of joy just at being able to make the journey, full of wonder at each turn. Then we can accept the fact that we will stumble and tumble yet have the hope that allows us to get us and go again.

As we go forth today, disciples of Christ, let us be content to progress in slow steps as we make our way to our destination – our LORD.

Until tomorrow, let us all love well.