Gradually...

It was still significantly light outside at nine o'clock as I walked to my car and drove home from Jeremy's. Light enough that I paused and marveled. Then, a few minutes later as I looked out my window, I was surprised to find the night had fallen like a deep blanket over Blanding. My initial thought was how strange it is that one minute it is day and the next it is night. But I had to check myself because even night does not come in the blink of an eye. Like so many things in life, it comes gradually. So gradually that we hardly notice one moment from the next the subtle emergence of the stars and the shift from rustic pinks on the horizon to deep purples and soft blues.

I am grateful for changes that come slowly like a comfortable friend joining and keeping stride on impromptu walk. I have never been one for big surprises. I will purposefully ask around to know the end of a movie before watching it, and I always enjoy a book more the second time through. I don't like being taken too much off guard. I much prefer to have time to get acquainted with an idea or decision or change of plans before making the actual transition.

I have noticed in my life that such is often the case. While life has thrown me a few curve balls (and a few right at the face), things still seem to be happening naturally. As I learn one lesson, the skills and knowledge gained help me to learn the next lesson. Gradually and step by step I am moving forward in my goals and in my ambitions and in my efforts to become something more. I am grateful for such a smooth and steady incline (and grateful for the unexpected twists and turns that produce the most stunning views and vistas). Just as the dark of night comes a moment at a time, just as climbing mountains and hills require always putting one foot ahead of the other, so does progress require building blocks and stepping stones and small, seemingly insignificant changes.