Growth

"But other seed fell on good ground and yielded a crop that sprang up, increased and produced: some thirtyfold, some sixty, and some a hundred" ( Mark 4:8).

"But these are the ones sown on good ground, those who hear the word, accept it, and bear fruit: some thirtyfold, some sixty, and some a hundred" (Mark 4:20).

The concept of growth seems to be the theme of my life as of late. A few weeks ago, I decided to take the flower seeds that my Cheerios box so kindly provided me with, and plant them in a little pot, excited to see what may happen. You must understand the joy that I felt when I saw little green shoots rising up, and my disappointment when the heat of the sun scorched it and it withered away.

Another area of growth I've been experiencing, one that I hope is doing a lot better than my flower seeds, is this sweet little baby in my belly. Every week, I get an update on all that's taking place in the womb. Though my husband can be a little skeptical of my app, it's amazing to learn about all that takes place in the short nine months of pregnancy: from eye sight development, to brain development, to the potential size of her hand, and her height and weight. It's a miracle.

But I've also learned from experience that growth can be painful. It's not easy for a mother to grow so much in such a short amount of time, but it is altogether worth it.

All this stuff about growth has led me to think on the Lord and how He calls us to grow spiritually. He is the sower who comes to plant His seed in our hearts. We can be good soil or bad soil and I long to be the good soil.

I tend to get complacent and take the easy way when it comes to Bible study and prayer, but there's no growth in that. Growth can be difficult and challenging, but it is altogether worth it.

I want to scale the utmost height,

And catch a gleam of glory bright;

But still I'll pray, till heaven I've found,

Lord lead me on to higher ground!

(Charles H. Spurgeon)