Let's All Grow Together

By Gail Allen

Who doesn't want to grow? The idea of growth is very appealing. As small children, we can't wait to grow up and do the next thing. Teenagers want to drive, go to college, and become independent. ​

Does it stop there though? Aren't we always trying to do more, be better? Who doesn't want to feel better?? But the thing about growth is it not only requires work, it is also pretty scary. In order to learn, we have to acknowledge that we don't already know it all. 

My grandmother used to plant bulbs in the late fall of the year, under a pansy or winter cabbage. The bulb would be protected and nourished as the top plant died. Plus, it was just pretty to have some color in the bleak of winter and have a reminder of what was to come! When the bulbs fully blossomed in the spring, her yard was a beautiful sea of flowers! 

I was telling that story to a dear friend, and was struck by her analogy of how much this must be what God does for us (thanks, Micah!). We're buried very deep down in the ground. It's dark and scary. We can't see the light. It feels like we’re breaking open like a seed does, making us raw and vulnerable. But all the while, we've been protected and nourished so that we can grow. In the right time, and under just the right conditions, then we'll have our break free, and in time, we’ll break open up to the sun. Only then, can we blossom and shine the way that we are meant to do!

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