Learning God’s Way
by Jennifer Greene-Sullivan
Some of us don’t grow at the same pace.
Some of us are slow growers.
You know what? That’s okay.
Let me introduce you to one of my favorite slow and steady stories—my son, Liam’s experience with learning to read. He’s eight years old, in second grade, and loves school. He loves learning, experiencing new things, and soaking up the world around him. Reading? That’s been a challenge.
For the past two school years, fluency and comprehension have been uphill climbs. Summer months tend to zap his gains, and each August, his Lexile score looks more like that of a preschooler who’s never been read to—not a curious, book-loving boy with shelves full of Dog Man and I Survived books waiting for him at home.
At the beginning of this year, Liam started to notice the gap. He realized his reading didn’t sound like everyone else’s. And as a mama, that moment pierced me—I knew I had a choice. I could let self-doubt take root in his heart, or I could sow seeds of confidence and joy.
So we made a plan.
We made reading part of our rhythm, rewarding his effort with trips to Barnes & Noble and surprise deliveries of graphic novels.
We adopted a family slogan:
✨ “Slow and steady wins the race.” ✨
Chris and I reminded him: it’s not about being fast—it’s about being faithful. Be accurate. Be aware. Be a student who understands, not just one who reads fast.
And then—this morning—it happened.
GROWTH IS COMING SOON!
Bailey, who graduates this month, works at the primary school, and she sent a picture of Liam with his STAR. The very star that recognizes significant Lexile and Progress Learning growth. Most of his classmates earned their stars long ago, some more than once, but with just three weeks left in the school year, Liam earned his first.
His Lexile score is now firmly within the second-grade band.
His fluency is improving.
His comprehension is blooming.
And I—we—could not be prouder.
💛 Liam’s story isn’t just about reading.
It’s a reflection of my own spiritual journey.
From ages 20 to 35, my growth was stagnant—choked by pride and my craving for worldly things. But at 37, everything changed. The Lord, in His mercy, allowed my life to shift drastically. My heart softened. My spirit yielded, and the slow, steady work of restoration and liberation began.
Now at 47, I see it clearly:
Growth doesn’t always come fast.
But when it’s led by the Holy Spirit—it comes deep, and it comes real.
“Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind…” —Romans 12:2 (ESV)
Friend, if you’re in a slow season—one where the growth feels small or invisible—I want to encourage you: Don’t give up.
God is faithful in your process.
Freedom will come. Fruit will bloom.
Like Liam. Like me. Like all of us who are walking and waiting at the same time—
Your growth may not be loud, but it will be lasting.
Keep your eyes on Jesus.
Keep worshiping at His feet.
Because slow and steady, it still wins the race.
📖 Scripture Study: Slow and Steady Growth
- Zechariah 4:10 (ESV)
“For whoever has despised the day of small things shall rejoice…”
☑️ God delights in steady beginnings. Even the smallest step forward matters.
- Galatians 6:9 (ESV)
“And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up.”
☑️ Growth takes time. But your sowing is not in vain.
- Isaiah 40:31 (ESV)
“But they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint.”
☑️ Waiting doesn’t mean weakness. It means readiness.
- Philippians 1:6 (ESV)
“And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.”
☑️ God finishes what He starts—even if the timeline looks different than ours.
- Psalm 1:3 (ESV)
“He is like a tree planted by streams of water that yields its fruit in its season…”
☑️ You will bear fruit—in His season, in His way.
🔥 Challenge: Embrace the Pace
This week, take 10 minutes to reflect or journal this question:
“Where have I seen slow growth in my life that turned out to be fruitful?”
Then thank God for the season—even if you’re still waiting for the harvest.
Slow growth is not a lack of growth. It’s deep growth. Let your roots go down before the fruit comes up.
🙏 Prayer
Father,
Thank You for being patient with me in every season—especially the slow ones.
Help me not to despise small beginnings or quiet victories.
Teach me to see growth through Your eyes, not mine.
Give me endurance like Liam’s, to show up daily and trust the process, even when the results feel small.
Let my life reflect the truth that You are faithful in the waiting, and sovereign in the timing.
Grow me, Lord—slowly, steadily, deeply.
And let the fruit of my life glorify You.
In Jesus’ name,
Amen.
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The Aging English Major 