Growth.

Growth.

The word is full of expectancy, of hope, of the future. All that is to come.

I remember the thrill of planting little kidney beans in dark, rich soil. We watered them daily, and finally, one day the soil began to develop tiny, green sprouts. No longer did it look like I was watering the dark brown earth! No: I was watering a living, growing seedling.

Since as long as I can remember, I have been completely fascinated by growth: whether it was the pictures of a developing baby in its mother's womb, of tadpoles turning into frogs, or the process of growth in character, changes in understanding, and being transformed more into the likeness of Christ.

I am convinced that contributing to growth in the people around me is my purpose in life. In fact, everything I have been super passionate about has to do with growth, developing others, and pouring into them.

The more I ponder this, the more I realize that growth sums up everything that I desire.
As a Christ-follower I must continue to grow in the grace and knowledge of my Lord Jesus Christ so that I may become more like Him.
I am called to be a disciple-maker which is about helping others grow toward their Savior as well. I must teach, love, disciple, and train those who may be just starting out on this journey.
As a daughter I have strived to become more mature, more understanding, more obedient. I have tried to understand what biblical womanhood looks like, and what God calls me to as a woman.
As a student, I have chosen to grow academically as I gain more knowledge and skills, seeking to apply them across all areas, not just where I may excel.
As a musician, I have grown in my understanding of different styles of music, new techniques, and my endurance in practice... as well as ways to teach this to others.
As a student leader on a college campus, my life was devoted to seeking out teachable moments, to lead by example, and to encourage others to grow. In fact, I even held the position of Growth Group Leader. How appropriate.
As a Writing Lab Tutor, I sought to help my students grow in their understanding of the English language. As I did so, my own skills progressed, my patience was tested (yet lengthened), and my love of cultures was established).
As a student teacher I had the opportunity to share moments of growth with my students. With an emphasis on growth, there was less competition, and more celebration as students joined together to celebrate their progress, as well as the progress of their classmates.

Growth defines who I am. It defines what I live for. What I strive for.

But it isn't always easy. There are times that it seems like there is more decay than growth. Seeing brokenness, sickness, and hurt is exhausting and heart-breaking for someone who lives daily for growth.

However. It is in my pursuit for growth that I begin to see things in a new light. Even if growth is minimal, I find a way to draw it out in people. I want people to see how they are changing into better, wiser people, hopefully growing in their understanding of their God. I begin to become the optimist. Forever watering, rejoicing over every sign of change.

After discovering this passion of mine, my heart for education made so much more sense.

And it makes even more sense to approach this first year of teaching with a classroom theme of growth. Because after all, I am also just starting out. I will be growing right along with my fourth graders!