A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step. While there is nothing new about this ancient proverb, the reason it is still used is that it still rings true. No new discovery is made without first there being a single step. Even if the discovery involves gravity’s proverbial apple falling on one’s head, a step still has to be made to articulate, or define, the discovery.

Our Wesleyan-based teachings remind us that it is God who takes the first grace-filled “step” toward us. We also recognize that, in the great scheme of making disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world, our first step matters. In which direction will our first step head us? How will that first step toward reconciling a troubled relationship look? What first step should we take to invite someone to church, or a small group, or a new ministry? How may we show someone else the grace of God by taking a single step in their direction?

The Lenten Season is halfway through. Are we yet to take that single step? To heal that relationship? To build up another? To show God’s love? To be a disciple? To make a disciple? Let’s keep the main thing the main thing. It begins with a single step.