Faster. Stronger. Better. The pursuit of more is something that seems helpful, beneficial, right? Unfortunately in our culture the pursuit of better is often externalized and relegated to "quick-fix" shortcuts. Don't get me wrong, I am all for excellence, improvement and efficiency. I am simply looking from a different vantage point.

So often, growth and development focus on what is seen. One of the first and primary actions of healthy growth is beneath the surface, internal and unseen. Think about a seed planted in the soil. Picture the seed, surrounded by soil, invisible to those looking above the ground. Can you see it? The future growth hinges on a willingness to grow where the seed is planted. To grow life giving roots for a lifetime of health and vibrancy. 

Grow life-giving roots for a lifetime of health and vibrancy. 

Growing where one is planted requires a couple key focal points:

1. Willingness...it's too easy to be rigid and closed off to growth. Willingness, openness, availability to change is a choice and a life posture. Developing a willing attitude will begin to remove barriers to growth. Be willing. Grow a willingness to receive, learn from and develop your strengths and weaknesses.

2. Turn Attention Inward...while others and externals often garner our attention, growth necessitates one shift their attention to internal/personal focus. Psychological research recognizes a concept known as "internal locus of control", this concept highlights the opportunity to take ownership and develop a personal approach to life that encourages us to focus on the internal reality of our life: attitude, preparation, character, integrity.

3. Focus on Life-Giving Formation...although growth is regularly attributed to "good" development, it assumes what is being added is "good". In medicine, one could be diagnosed with a growth that is deadly. It is essential we discover and focus on life-giving rhythms. If we are what we eat, we must resource our lives with a life-giving source. We need to focus on daily formation that is life-giving: mentally, emotionally, relationally, spiritually, physically. 

Grow where you are planted.

Grow where you are planted. Feed the internal reality of your life with life-giving food. Discover and develop life giving rhythms. Choose to focus on your character, attitude and availability. Be open, be willing and be ready for the real challenge of life-giving growth.