Here Comes the Bride Taking Baby Steps

Last week I introduced Ricky, an orthopedic technologist (puts casts on children’s arms, hands or legs) at Scottish Rite Hospital for Children. Ricky inspired me once again this week.

After putting a cast on a teenager's leg, here came Ricky coaching him how to walk with his new crutches: “Easy. Slow down. Take little steps. One of these days you’re going to get married. You’ll be standing at the front waiting for your bride to come to you. You’re wanting her to hurry but she’s taking baby steps. That’s what I want you to do. Take baby steps.”

Hello, Inspiration! As I watched and listened, I wished that teenager really captured Ricky's training moment -- beyond the careful attention of how to use and walk with crutches.

My expanded version saw this: The beautifully adorned bride is radiant in her magnificent wedding gown she dreamed of and searched long for. Today she makes her debut to her waiting groom and those in attendance. The groom is anxiously waiting to welcome her at the altar, BUT, she’s taking what seems FOREVER to come down that aisle. He’s thinking “Hurry! Let’s get this show on the road!” But, oh no! Of all things, she’s taking baby steps and thinking: “This is my moment!" She's taking it all in. She’s wanting all eyes on her. She’s admiring her family and friends who have come to celebrate this joyous occasion. She’s gazing with pride at her lovely bridesmaids, striking groomsmen, the darling flower girl, and spunky ringbearer. She’s not missing a thing. She is in the moment because THIS MOMENT will never be here again. Eventually, she arrives at her destination, to her handsome, beaming, soon-to-be husband who makes the momentous journey down the aisle so worth it.

And, because I was in the moment – taking in the lesson Ricky was giving to his patient, I can share with you how important it is for us to take baby steps, too! We are usually in such a hurry to get to our destination that we go turbo-mode, never taking in the beauty of the journey. Ralph Waldo Emerson said “Life is a journey. Not a destination.”

Far too many of us put off what really matters – enjoying family and friends, listening to conversations that can inspire us, nurturing relationships, forgiving enemies, experiencing peace, praying, and enjoying life. The key to real peace in our lives is focusing on enjoying the journey, focusing on what's really important, and taking the time to “smell the roses". Discovering a mindset that allows us to pursue big things without sacrificing the “little things” that make life worth living.

Ricky said, “Slow down! Take baby steps!” Donna says “Slow down. Smell the roses. Kiss a baby. Hug a friend. Listen to laughter. Watch your child's sports game (phone-free). Write a love letter. Take time to smile and say “Have a great day!” to a co-worker or neighbor. Make a difference in someone on your way to where you’re going! Take baby steps!

Jeremiah 2:25 "Slow down. Take a deep breath. What's the hurry? Why wear yourself out? Just what are you after anyway?”