I recently came across a short quote from an influential American preacher of the early 20th century, Vance Havner.  Havner succinctly articulates a true-to-life answer to a question that we, as Christians, continually ask of ourselves - "Am I growing?"  "How does growth happen?"  "What does growth look like?"  The question of Christian growth is fundamentally one that can only be answered  by looking backwards and evaluating where we have been and how those steps stand in contrast to where we currently find ourselves.  But do we realize that most of our growth comes from the everyday, ordinary faithfulness, rather than the mountain top or valley experiences?  Christian growth is day by day, through small decisions made poorly and well, through relationships that blossom and those that are strained, through daily stresses and daily responsibilities.  The question is, do we desire that those everyday and ordinary places, decisions, and responsibilities be the training ground for our exercise unto godliness?  I hope you find Havner's thoughts encouraging as you reflect on your own growth in grace over the past months...

"We do not grow in grace and the knowledge of Christ by leaps and bounds but some try. They bounce from one mountain peak of Christian experience to another. Every year or so they make a new start, turn a new leaf, have a new thrill. Children do not grow by suddenly gaining a few inches or adding a few pounds now and then. They grow gradually, daily, by food, rest, and exercise. Christian growth comes the same way by feeding on the Word, resting in the Lord, and exercising unto godliness. It has been said that nothing is more detrimental to Christian experience than too many Christian “experiences.” 

(Vance Havner, The Vance Havner Devotional Treasury: Daily Meditations for a Year; Grand Rapids: Baker, 1976, 49.)