Often, when a person has a large goal in mind – losing 100 pounds, training for a marathon, finishing graduate school – it helps to break the goal down into smaller steps and celebrate the completion of each small step. Failing to celebrate the steps in the journey can make the ultimate goal seem too far away and many people will get discouraged and give up.
I had a similar thought about DH’s conversion. While I’ll keep the big picture (baptism at the Easter Vigil) in mind, it became clear that I needed to break the goal down into smaller pieces. So I decided I’d start praying for him to take the first step. And then, since I’m kind of neurotic, I started to worry: What is the first step? Should I pray that he go to Mass with me at Christmas? Should I pray that he read one of my theology books? Should I pray that he start reading Conversion Diary?
And then yesterday morning, it hit me.* DH’s first step would not be the same as my first step. (I’m surprised the Holy Spirit didn’t add “duh” after that thought.) There are as many reasons to convert as there are converts, and there are as many paths to conversion as there are converts. I have no clue what DH’s first step might be, but I’ll know it when I see it.
And so, I pray for a first step.
*I was at work and having a somewhat hectic day, and there was this awesome insight from the Holy Spirit. God really does work in mysterious ways!
I love where that thought led you! It is so true that we often want people to get the same things that worked for us, but we forget that He has as many ways of working as there are individual people. Joining you in praying for your husband’s first step… And the thought that just occurred to me is that maybe the first step is you praying for him! St. Augustine’s first several steps had to be all of St. Monica’s prayers (but I hope you don’t have to wait that long.)
I totally agree with Catholic Mutt. You have already taken the “First Steps” as have I for my husband. I pray God helps my husband to become a Believer. We are told to pray without ceasing and everything needs to happen in his time. We are also told “When two or more ask in my name, it shall be given.” I, also am praying for your husband..so that makes two.
Thank you both for your prayers. I appreciate them, and someday DH will too.