It has happened to all of us. The awkward stage when you have experienced a growth spurt, a not-so-seamless transition into maturing growth, where it seems like you shot up over night. You feel like a new person and you are unsure what to do with your lengthened limbs.
Just take a moment and reflect on yourself back in that time. Your jeans became too short, you knocked items over reaching for them because you weren’t used to your lengthened arms, you tripped constantly because your feet increased in size, you ran into door frames because your shoulders widened, YOU WERE AWKWARD, you looked ridiculous, and you felt slightly removed from your former self.
There is an adjustment period when you grow so rapidly until you are able to become accustomed to your new self. It is a normal part of growing, albeit an awkward part.
Right now on the Race I am that awkward growing teenager spiritually. In my first two months I experienced such rapid growth in my relationship with God that I am in a period of transition.
I have new ideologies, newly recognized gifts, expanded comfort zones, and I don’t know what to do with them. I am trying to function the same as I did before my growth, but I am unsuccessful. I am bumping into things, tripping occasionally, and I am often unsure what to do with myself.
The Lord is patient and faithful with me through my growing pains. He is continuously giving me opportunities to practice these new parts of me, and slowly I am recognizing them as my own. My heart is there, my head just has to catch up to my new additions.
Growth spurts may be complicated to navigate, but they are essential to maturing.
Ephesians tells us:
“So we are no longer to be children, tossed back and forth by waves and carried about by every wind of teaching by the trickery of people who craftily carry out their deceitful schemes. But practicing the truth in love, we in all things grow up into Christ, who is the head. From him the whole body grows, fitted and held together through every supporting ligament. As each one does its part, the body grows in love. (Ephesians 4:14-16)
2.5 months on the Race and I already feel like a new person. I refuse to be a child in my faith any longer, even if it means a little discomfort as I grow into my new skin. I welcome the awkward just as I welcome the growth.
