Growth is the visible sign of progress. If you walk through my laundry room, you will see three vertical lines of hash marks. These little black marks represent the physical growth of my three children. Periodically, they ask to be measured for they are confident they are indeed taller than the last time they stood with their backs straight and heels to the wall. For my preschoolers, signs of growth are equated with more independent skills and privileges. Someday they will be big like mommy and daddy and do things like ride a two-wheel bike and drink coffee (or at least this is what they tell me.) They want to grow up. In case you doubted their intention, just refer to them as a baby and they will quickly correct you, “No, I am a big kid.”
Physical growth and maturity is an inevitable part of our humanity. Many of us try and turn back the clocks of aging, but we all eventually get wrinkles, gray hair, and atrophied muscles. Emotional and spiritual growth trajectories fall into the optional category. We can choose to remain stagnant – content with our emotional and spiritual maturity, or we can welcome growth opportunities.
The landscapes from which we choose to journey dictate the growth possibilities. Some of us may choose to never leave the comforts of our home. We may be content to look at landscape art, but never experience it for ourselves. We have chosen safety rather than risk walking outside our comfort zone. We have decided we have arrived, but we missed out on the adventure.
I have hiked up rocky mountain tops. The view was spectacular from 14,000 feet. I could see for miles. I had a strong sense of satisfaction as I looked back at the long, windy, uphill trail I had just hiked. I was simultaneously exhausted yet refreshed. I wanted to stay atop forever breathing in the cool, crisp, pure air. But, growth on a mountain top above the tree line is near impossible. Survival over the long haul is not conducive in such a harsh landscape. Our journey cannot stop at the first major milestone we achieve. We must descend back into the valley to find nourishment.
I have walked through a triple canopy jungle. The vegetation was so thick it was almost suffocating. Without a proper guide, it would not have been wise to venture into the jungle alone. When our growth opportunities are of this magnitude, we would be wise to bring along an experienced companion to help us find our way. The jungle was frightening as I was brought face-to-face with my fears. It was an intense time of growth and I returned from the jungle a changed person – a stronger and more peaceful person.
I have spent time in the desert. It is bare and at times fiercely silent. It is easy to feel alone – abandoned and deserted. It is here where I was confronted with a hunger and thirst that could be satisfied. It is easy to want to give up, to stop my prayers, to stop reaching out to others. In the solace of the desert environment, I was brought to the end of myself. I found my sense of desperation and come to realize my true self. I learned that sometimes my hope is more about my commitment to persevere rather than a warm, comforting feeling. I learned my faith will survive any drought.
Take time to emotionally and spiritually stand back straight and heels to the wall and mark the growth. Celebrate where you are and from where you have come. But do not stop the adventure. Open your hearts to the offerings of each new landscape.
Next . . . “H” as in Humility.
Physical growth and maturity is an inevitable part of our humanity. Many of us try and turn back the clocks of aging, but we all eventually get wrinkles, gray hair, and atrophied muscles. Emotional and spiritual growth trajectories fall into the optional category. We can choose to remain stagnant – content with our emotional and spiritual maturity, or we can welcome growth opportunities.
The landscapes from which we choose to journey dictate the growth possibilities. Some of us may choose to never leave the comforts of our home. We may be content to look at landscape art, but never experience it for ourselves. We have chosen safety rather than risk walking outside our comfort zone. We have decided we have arrived, but we missed out on the adventure.
I have hiked up rocky mountain tops. The view was spectacular from 14,000 feet. I could see for miles. I had a strong sense of satisfaction as I looked back at the long, windy, uphill trail I had just hiked. I was simultaneously exhausted yet refreshed. I wanted to stay atop forever breathing in the cool, crisp, pure air. But, growth on a mountain top above the tree line is near impossible. Survival over the long haul is not conducive in such a harsh landscape. Our journey cannot stop at the first major milestone we achieve. We must descend back into the valley to find nourishment.
I have walked through a triple canopy jungle. The vegetation was so thick it was almost suffocating. Without a proper guide, it would not have been wise to venture into the jungle alone. When our growth opportunities are of this magnitude, we would be wise to bring along an experienced companion to help us find our way. The jungle was frightening as I was brought face-to-face with my fears. It was an intense time of growth and I returned from the jungle a changed person – a stronger and more peaceful person.
I have spent time in the desert. It is bare and at times fiercely silent. It is easy to feel alone – abandoned and deserted. It is here where I was confronted with a hunger and thirst that could be satisfied. It is easy to want to give up, to stop my prayers, to stop reaching out to others. In the solace of the desert environment, I was brought to the end of myself. I found my sense of desperation and come to realize my true self. I learned that sometimes my hope is more about my commitment to persevere rather than a warm, comforting feeling. I learned my faith will survive any drought.
Take time to emotionally and spiritually stand back straight and heels to the wall and mark the growth. Celebrate where you are and from where you have come. But do not stop the adventure. Open your hearts to the offerings of each new landscape.
Next . . . “H” as in Humility.
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