Do you find that our culture is obsessed with ‘growth’? Not just the act of growing, but also the most efficient means of measuring it, as well?
I do.
We think and talk a lot about ‘growth’ at our house.
The middle child isn’t as tall as the oldest, a fact that none of us can ignore. To make matters worse, his little brother is gaining quickly. Cue the weeping and gnashing of teeth.
It isn’t enough to play soccer and have fun. One also wants to score a goal and be the star of the show. If these objectives aren’t achieved, the day is ruined. Tears flow in the car on the way home from the field.
I wish I could say in these moments that I’m a fount of parental wisdom, kicking the heartache and disappointment to the curb with pithy words of encouragement.
But here’s the thing: I covet those achievements, too. Not on the soccer field, because that’s not where I define my worth.
I do, however, want overnight success in most other areas of my life … A best-selling novel, a multi-book contract with a Big 5 publisher, children who love and follow after the Lord, the ‘perfect’ marriage, gourmet meals on the table every night, a clean house, meaningful and fulfilling relationships with my friends … I could go on and on.
The truth is, I want all of the growth and none of the dirt. If I’ve learned anything on this parenting journey it is that perfection is a dream-killer and a joy stealer. We aren’t defined by what we achieve. But God does desire to make us more like Him. Much like the beautiful sunflower He created, He wants us to reflect His glory and often that requires discomfort. Pain. Trials. Challenges.
Stop.
If you aren’t familiar with Five-Minute Friday, it’s a wonderful community of artists, writers, dreamers who gather virtually each week and write for five minutes on a given prompt. If you would like to join in, click here. Also follow the #fmfparty on Twitter for laughter, encouragement, and perhaps new friends, too.
Your turn: tell me about a time you’ve experienced growth in your own life. Leave a comment below. I love connecting with readers.
photo credit: Papaver Rhoeas via Unsplash
quote: Laurie Jean Sennott
Hi Heidi. This is so true: “The truth is, I want all of the growth and none of the dirt.” Yes, me too! And most people would want that, if they were honest. Growth can be painful, and who wouldn’t want to skip the pain and become a vibrant sunflower overnight? Yet it’s an undeniable fact that we grow most during our time in soil, rooted in the darkness of tests and trials. As we also stay rooted in the Vine Himself and feed from His word, then we will be enabled to push through the dirt and be brought into the light. Thank you for sharing your insights. Blessed to be your neighbour for the #FMF link up! 🙂 x
Beautifully said, Joy. Thank you so much for sharing your insights. I was blessed by your comment. Take care!
I don’t want the dirt either. I want a clean and easy, finish first and finish best kind of growth. That isn’t real life, but I want it nonetheless. Guess I’m human.
When I think about times of my greatest growth, it has been in the soil of difficulty and work, crawling to the finish line and filled with stories of do-overs. That’s reality. Hard-earned growth lasts.
I’m visiting from FMF, and I’m glad I did.
Hi, Cheryl. Your comment is a lovely finale for my weekend. Thank you for stopping by. I’m glad you did, too. Hard-earned growth does indeed last.