Training Wheels

By nature, I'm a learner. I like to learn new things, learn how things work, and learn how to make things better. This doesn't mean that I'm good at all the things I learn about or try to do or try to make better, but I do enjoy the process nonetheless.

Although I sing and write, I promise I would not call myself a creative. I'm probably the least creative "creative" you've ever met. But... If you need someone to organize the creatives - I'm your gal all.day.long. I know my lane and my strengths and I make a mean spreadsheet. I digress.

Recently, I saw something that inspired me. I saw a painting of plumerias from a company that had created a kit where you could recreate the image with a paint-by-number system. (If you've read my book, you know how I feel about plumerias.) I couldn't press "buy now" fast enough! I'm not a painter, nor have I ever been (and, truth be told, painting completely intimidates me), but for some reason, this felt safe. Elementary, but safe.

I ordered the kit and soon it arrived and I set my sights on an upcoming free Saturday morning. I unpacked the box, found a spot on the front porch, and began my within-my-comfort-zone painting journey.

Paint-by-number to learn how it works.

Paint-by-number to create a very rudimentary version of what I see my friends who are professional artists do in their sleep.

Paint-by-number to help me know the way.

In the same way a child needs training wheels to learn how to ride a bike, so often we need training wheels to learn new things. Paint-by-number was my needed training wheels for the day.

Likewise, we often need someone or something else to show us the way to God's presence and how to experience Him in the every day.

To learn how it works. To help learn the way.

In the same way that I am learning this new artistic skill and am *very slowly* getting a tiny bit better each time I try, I hope you are learning how to recognize His presence with you in normal moments realizing you're getting better and better at realizing He is with you always.

If you need your own set of "training wheels" in this process, don't worry or compare yourselves to others' progress. Their journey to Jesus has no bearing on yours. The pursuit of Him and the get-up-and-try-again-even-if-you-aren't-sure-how way is all that matters. The Lord loves you and is excited to share all his wonders with you.

✨ How We Wait Today:

When I'm learning something new about the Lord or something He wants to teach me, I sometimes need to put on spiritual training wheels and borrow the "paint-by-number" version of someone's faith until I am ready to do it on my own. If you are new to experiencing God's presence in your everyday moments, that's what I hope Waiting On Wonders is for you and those you love.

Some of you don't need these training wheels and have been experiencing God's presence in your daily life for years - amazing! Consider coming alongside those that could be encouraged by your experience and point them to God's presence in your daily life so that they too can be encouraged by what you know.

So encourage each other and build each other up, just as you are already doing.

1 Thessalonians 5:11

((Want to read more from Tara and more about hearing God in everyday moments? Pick up your copy of Waiting On Wonders, 40-Days of Wonder Devotional at Amazon or get a signed, jacketed hardback special edition copy HERE)) ✨