Spring is a season of starting fresh and new. Everything seems to have come alive – the Kowhai trees look like sunrays with their yellow flowers, the Clivias are showing off their orange arrangements, and all sorts of pink, red and purple flowers are currently blooming in our garden. We wake up with the songs of the birds, especially groups of tui’s, singing in the yellow Kowhai trees. Yes, spring is in the air and we can see and hear it!

For the last couple of years, spring time is a time of reflection for me. I take a good look at the goals I’ve set for the year and evaluate their progress. I also take time to do some introspection. As I page through my journal, I can see a continuous theme of growing in the Lord. Growing in who God has made me to be, growing in my trust in Him, growing in my knowledge of a loving God, growing in the way I worship the Lord and give him all the glory, growing in character to become a mature Christian: growing.

What is growth?

“to increase in size or amount, or to allow or encourage something to increase in size or to become more advanced or developed:” (Ref. Cambridge Dictionary)

Why should we keep on growing?

By cultivating a teachable attitude, we allow growth to take place. The more we embrace the transformation taking place when our minds are renewed through God’s word, the more room there is for growth. By staying teachable, we become more attuned to hear God speak because our focus remains on him. Growth propels us forward on the everlasting path that the Lord has set before us. To grow is to embrace life to its fullest.

"My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing." James 1:2 - 4 KJV

Does growth come without a cost?

No. To grow, you will be tested, and you will sometimes fail and get back up again. You have to allow yourself to see both successes and failures as opportunities for growth. Each growth season comes with its own challenges, but the more you grow in your faith in God and the more you rely on the strength of Jesus to solve and overcome obstacles, the more you are growing in endurance.

What areas in your life would you like to grow in?

As you reflect on these, why not write it down in your journal and ask the Lord to give you action steps towards developing them his way.

"Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ:" Philippians 1:6 KJV

May you embrace this season of growth!

Catherina