Toddler steps

I've written about baby steps before... how they're meant to be small and wobbly, and that's a beautiful thing. But today I have some different kind of steps on my mind, which are just beyond the baby ones. For this post, I'm thinking about toddler steps.

This topic was inspired by an adorable little toddler girl I made friends with at church, who is about 20 months old. She has no trouble walking around; in fact, she moves from family to family all around her, waving and smiling her adorable grin as people show their delight when she comes near them. 

• The toddler steps wherever she wants to, because she has no doubt that she belongs.
• She walks with total confidence, not needing an ounce of permission to approach someone. 
• She doesn't question whether she "deserves" smiles, high fives, snacks, bracelets, toys, and anything else people offer to her.
• Her self-worth isn't founded on any achievements or rankings in comparison to anyone else in the room (or the world). it just is. 
• She doesn't worry about being judged or turned away. She moves with energetic curiosity, and people welcome it.
• Some folks don't quite know how to interact with her, but that doesn't stop her or make her second-guess herself. She smiles and moves along to people who do.  

I realize that a big factor in why she's able to move this way is due to the developmental stage she's in, and that inhibitions will naturally develop as she grows. But I also think that we're capable of following her example if we choose to.

• We can embrace our belonging as part of humankind, no matter what room we're in.
• We can approach people with love and confidence, without needing a permission slip.
• We can receive every good thing that comes our way, with gratitude and joy -- without questioning whether or not we "deserve" it
• We can stand in our self-worth as children of God -- no extras required. 
• We can follow our curiosity and let our unique energy show, no matter what anyone else thinks. 
• We can let other people not "get" us, and spend our time with people who do.

In God's eyes, we are all just toddlers, anyway. Let's embrace our developmental phase and live it fully!