Growth At The Speed Of Life

You're expecting a child, so you notice all the pregnant women and magazine ads for strollers.

You're studying the book of Jonah and an obscure article in the newspaper about a beached whale catches your eye.

You're nauseated and it seems like all the commercials are about food.

These are all clues to lasting personal growth. Ever read a passage of scripture - one you've read dozens of times before - only this time it spoke so profoundly to you? Why this time and not all the times before? Because of your context. The scripture was speaking into what you were going through at the time.

So how can you harness this principle of context-sensitive learning? Invite God into your "here and now". If you're struggling with an issue, don't fight it. Walk with God through it. Look for the learning. Look for the growth edges. If you're celebrating a win, keep your eyes open to what you can gain from it - what led to the success? what did you have to sacrifice?

Your context is what's top of mind. God speaks personal growth into that context if you're awake enough to see it.

What are you learning these days?

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Comments

[Dan Rockwell]

Scott,

Thanks for sharing your insights. Your comment, "walk with God through it," is filled with wisdom. First, "walk," settle in don't rush or run. Second, "with God," suggests we have a "with" and everyone needs a with. Third, "through it," seems most challenging. Don't drop down in defeat, press through. The learning comes in the pressing through and not before.

Perhaps the greatest defeat is waiting for clarity or perfect solutions before pressing through.

You are a rock star!

I keep learning to listen which means I notice those who talk too much and admire those who listen well. It also means I'm learning to talk less and to say what others need to hear rather than what I need to say.

Best regards,

Dan

[Scott Couchenour]

Dan - Thanks. Your comment means so much to me. Like you, I am learning to listen a lot better these days. In fact, it seems the more I keep my mouth shut, the more I learn.

I'm really enjoying your blog posts. Keep it up and stay strong, my friend!

Y'all,
Here's Dan's place: http://leadershipfreak.wordpress.com/
Dan's on Twitter too: http://www.twitter.com/leadershipfreak