Growth
“And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast.”
“...we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope.”
“And he said to them, “Follow me, and I will make you...”
A tree’s rings tell a story of plenty and lack, of trauma, and persistence. We, too, have stories to tell—of joy, pain, struggle, and strength. Healthy growth covers a certain terrain—a pattern that begins with disruption and ends with embodied change. What happens in the space between reveals wisdom and an ability to adapt.
GROWTH CHART
A TRANSFORMATIONAL JOURNEY
The Beginning—Disruption
Life is full of disruptions. Some are very small and others cataclysmic. Some are welcome, and others bring dread. All have significance. Joyous disruptions might include a wedding, the birth of a child, a move, or a promotion at work. Unwanted disruptions look like loss, a diagnosis, a natural disaster, or a layoff. While these disruptions are easy to see, we need to become skilled at noticing smaller ones: a fresh insight from Scripture, something said in a conversation, or an experience of awe outdoors.
Attunement
It’s the step so often skipped—a pause to ask, what is the meaning? Not, why has this happened to us? But what is its significance? What is this going to mean? The answer to that question will likely depend on who you ask (remember Job’s friends?). We are invited to go to God for wisdom. It’s with him that we can find proper meaning. Of course, attunement to God requires a pause and quiet. What is the Still Small Voice saying? Attunement is first listening, then acceptance.
Resonance
Resonance is the journey toward a new normal. What used to be is gone. What’s new is starting to appear and is becoming more familiar. New patterns and rhythms are developing. A new way of being is beginning to resonate with a new reality. The risk here is turning back before formation can have its full effect.
The End—Embodiment
You have changed, and we can see it! You have grown in perseverance, character, and hope. Probably in other ways too. Don’t hide the change or try to make it more than it is. This is just one step in a lifelong process.