Growing spiritually can look similar to physical growth. The pace of growth is unique to each individual. Stages are often repeated in one or in multiple areas of our heart on our journey to spiritual maturity.

I’m not perfect or perfect at letting go of my expectations. I struggle letting things be messy or not sticking to the schedule. I want to maintain normalcy. Ugh, how frustrating my own shortcomings can be! Maybe you feel this way too.

I recently visited a Bonsai collection. In God’s design, these trees are designed to grow tall, to offer shade, to bear fruit, to multiply. They are designed to thrive. And yet, with constant and intentional trimming, wiring, and repotting, these bonsai trees will never reach the full measure of what they were created to be. Just as a bonsai tree is shaped by the hands of a gardener, we are molded and fashioned by God to flourish.