I took this picture while up hiking a couple of weeks ago and thought it was pretty cool. It’s a small tree growing from a rock formation that we stopped by while in the mountains. I was thinking today about this coming year and all the challenges that are ahead. This small tree is flourishing in an environment that would not be considered ideal for growing strong and healthy. It is hard for me, even as a pastor, to always see the importance of making the most of every situation in life because our flesh wants to always be focused on being in control and that includes our surroundings. When this little seed landed between the crack in the rock it found soil, or something sustainable for its life, and began to grow. Maybe that small seed is you at the start of this 2013. You don’t feel like you are in “proper” soil to grow and be the person you want to be. Maybe you need to just look around at what can sustain you and let God bring the growth. As I mentioned in my New Years Day thoughts about giving God control of your life this year in the face of the unknown, really think about what you are doing to give yourself a fighting chance at happiness this year. When i was sick, I was tempted (and actually did for a while) walk the path of anger at God for the things I thought He was needlessly allowing in my life. But in reality, I see what he was doing in the difficulty to help me understand the importance of giving complete trust in all parts of my life to Him. Let 2013 be a year of growth for you but not because of the perfect soil and growing conditions that the world and its marketing will tell you exists. Life is about ups and downs but the one thing that can stay consistent is a relationship with Jesus. let growth come out of the hard or stony times of your life by trusting that God can bring the increase in any and all circumstances and situations.
Holy Crap 