When we carefully watch the growth of flowers and vegetables, we know that this process does not happen in “an instant”, as we expect with much of our lives, such as seconds in the microwave. It begins with a seed that needs to break open and venture into a new world. It takes time to show itself beyond the soil. It is subjected to the elements of wind, rain, sun and cold and many more that can stunt its growth. But with the right support, it can become what it is meant to be and bear fruit.
Is not this the process that God has designed for us? Our spiritual growth can seem to be undetectable. We long to take short cuts in becoming what God wants us to be. Yes, there might be breakthroughs and sudden spurts of growth. Much of this can happen through unexpected circumstances of change. Blessed Father Moreau was never one who spent time worrying when the Community experienced crosses. Wisdom taught him that through crosses the Community would grow stronger and experience new life. Rooted in a deep prayer life that gave him patience, his little fledgling community would come to adulthood and become what God had destined.
• How would describe the growth patterns in your life?
• Did it take patience to be open to reach new horizons in your spirituality?
• What are some of the obstacles you have had to overcome to experience new
growth?
O God, help me recognize the spiritual growth that is taking place in me