These are the stairs of my childhood home. They didn’t look like this when I was growing up – at least not most of the time. When my sisters and I first moved to the upstairs bedrooms, the stairs were uncovered, but it wasn’t long before the green carpet (you know, that popular color from the 70s!) was added. The treacherous stairs needed some padding!
My parents recently recovered the stairs with a neutral carpet, but I enjoyed seeing them briefly uncovered. As I walked up and down them, I reflected on some life lessons I learned on the stairs.
- Take each step of life intentionally. You might not know every detail of what’s ahead, but be aware of the direction you’re taking.
- Don’t get ahead of yourself. You’re more likely to fall if you’re not aware of where your feet are.
- Keep your path clear. The more junk you leave piled in the regular path of everyday life, the more likely you are to trip over it.
- Sometimes you’ll fall no matter how careful you are. Get up and continue the journey.
- Turn the light on. It’s easier to watch your steps carefully.
- Sometimes life surprises us – like when my sister found a mouse on the stairs and picked it up to scare the rest of us.
- Don’t take steps for granted. You might think running up and down stairs is inconvenient, but when the stairs aren’t accessible, what are your options?
- When injured, stairs are more difficult or impossible to climb. Appreciate your health and abilities over your limitations.
- It’s nice to get away sometimes. The stairs led to my room, where I could (sometimes) find a quiet place. Find time and locations to be still.
- It’s nice to connect with others. The stairs also led to my family with whom I have many great memories.
Consider what you’ve learned along the steps of your journey. Learn through the positive and negative experiences. Continue to take steps. God wants you to persevere and grow.
When people’s steps follow the Lord, God is pleased with their ways. (Psalm 37:23)
