The Path to Growth
Experience keeps displaying the truth about the dynamic nature of life as it evolves through stages of growth. Life by its nature continually evolves through stages of growth and development. It is never supposed to be static or motionless. The growth process could be natural through spontaneous and uncontrolled evolution from one stage to the other and in most cases, it requires deliberate and intentional assiduous efforts. For instance, the biological process may be spontaneous and natural as one advances in age through time, but the intellectual growth process of an individual requires deliberate efforts and exposure to factors that will promote cognitive growth process like reading, studying and other cognitive activities. The growth of the human person could be seen from two sides: Spontaneous or uncontrolled path and intentional and deliberate path.
The efforts we need to make for integral growth process must never be undermined or watered down, thinking that all growth process will take place naturally without serious push from our side. Life requires growing through the demanding path with a spirit of resilience that will make us not give up until the desired growth reality is realized. There could be possibility of desiring integral growth but the path to follow to realize this seems too onerous and demanding and one seems not to be ready to persevere on that difficult path. The result of avoiding the difficult path to growth is nothing other than truncating the growth process.
It is imperative that to experience true integral growth covering all aspects of one’s life; there is need to have that inner courage to face the demands of the growth process and be unwavering in one’s commitment until the goal is achieved. Thus, the path to true growth requires these vital virtues and principles;
Strong Faith.
Courage.
Consistency on the right path.
Resilience.
Discipline, Self-mastery or self-control.
Readiness to delay gratification or avoid gratification when necessary.
Spirit of Hard Work and assiduous commitments to work.
Time appreciation and management.
Avoidance of Distraction.
Clarity of vision and having a sense of Mission.
Strong sense of hope.
Dynamism and flexibility.
Strong determination and ability to rise again after fall or failing.
Recourse to Divine support.
Openness to human support when needed.
Humility and ability to keep learning.
Love for a better version of oneself.
These virtues and principles listed above may not be exhaustive, but they are very vital for one to keep the process of growth ongoing and realizable, without which, one’s life stands static and consequently retrogressive. We are specially created by God to make our efforts in life yield meaningful results for a better world. The path of fruitfulness and impactful presence in the world is never an easy one and anyone who desires fruitfulness should never shy away from that path.
The growth process requiring our unwavering commitments and efforts should never be taken for granted. The motivating principle is, let us give it what it takes. Really, nothing good comes easy. The road to glory may be rigorous, difficult and discouraging but if there is no other route to follow, then we must perseveringly pass through that route until we get to our desired destination. A glorious and wonderful future, reflective of a true growth, will not just come automatically. Most often, it is achievable through rigorous commitment to sailing through the difficult path and confronting obstacles.
May God keep us determined to give our best to life so that integral growth is achievable despite all odds. Let us keep pushing until we get the desired results in life. No other route to integral growth except the demanding path. It is better to face it squarely than to avoid it completely. Let us live by the virtues and principles that bring about integral growth in life.
Scriptural readings: Sunday: Genesis 1. Monday: Genesis 2. Tuesday: Genesis 3. Wednesday: Proverbs 1. Thursday: Proverbs 2. Friday: Proverbs 3. Saturday: Psalms 1.