There I Grow Again

Occasionally, friends will send me something that is worthy of sharing on my blog. I normally tuck it in a safe file and wait for an opportune time for its use.

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My Beaumont friend sent me the following story way back in October and it has been waiting for the right time.

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The time came this morning when I got a comment on another post from the S-I-L. He's the one that is a farmer, and with farming, especially during the time of harvest, there is much stress and long hours.

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Though the message of this post can certainly apply to anyone.... in essence, this is for him.

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There I grow again

By Cindy Ludwig

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Don't worry if you have problems... which is easy to say until you are in the midst of a really big one. I know! But the only people I am aware of who don't have troubles are gathered in little neighborhoods. Most communities have at least one. We call them cemeteries.

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If you're breathing, you have difficulties. It's the way of life. And believe it or not, most of your problems may actually be good for you. Let me explain.

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Maybe you have seen the Great Barrier Reef, stretching some 1,800 miles from New Guinea to Australia. Tour guides regularly take visitors to view the reef. On one tour, the guide was asked an interesting question. "I notice that the lagoon side of the reef looks pale and lifeless, while the ocean side is vibrant and colorful," a traveler observed. "Why is this?"

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The guide gave an interesting answer: "The coral around the lagoon side is in still water, with no challenge for its survival. It dies early. The coral on the ocean side is constantly being tested by wind, waves, storms - surges of power. It has to fight for survival every day of it's life. As it is challenged and tested it changes and adapts. It grows healthy. It grows strong. And it reproduces."

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Then he added this telling note: "That's the way it is with every living organism." That is how it is with people. Challenged and tested, we come alive. Like coral pounded by the sea, we grow. Physical demands can cause us to grow stronger. Mental and emotional stress can produce tough- mindedness and resiliency. Spiritual testing can produce strength of character and faithfulness. So, you have problems... no problem!

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Just tell yourself,

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"There I grow again."