growing where I am planted...

One church I served proclaimed...
"We are growing where God planted us!"

Come to think of it,
two churches I have served
have shared this affirmation.

Only one expereinced
the growth they claimed
to want and have.

I wonder what it means
for an individual to
proclaim the same...

"I am growing where God planted me."

In ministry it is rare to
stay in a physical location
for long years at a time...
though some do.
Most ministers move
three,
four,
five times.

Grow where God planted me?
Hmmm.

That is what I currently ponder.

It has less to do with
physical location
and much more to do with:
emotion,
intellect,
empathy,
integrity,
esteem,
passion,
joy,
regret,
forgiveness.

And pondering such requires...
stamina,
courage,
patience,
reflection,
and a the willingness
to submit to God and to others.

In the end,
if I am to grow
where God planted me
all I can do is
trust...
God.

So,
here I am Lord....
doing my best
to
grow
where you
planted me.