When I think of growth, the first thing that comes to mind is flowers in a field along with a time-lapse of their process of blossoming from seeds to the beautiful creations that so many people love. Growth can come in many forms. Whether it’s a flower blooming, grass lengthening, or a once small child becoming an adult. Many see growth as a straight line going up towards the sky or reaching out to the finishing point. From my trials, I have a different outlook on growth. It is vital to seek growth in relationships, personal endeavors, and most importantly in your walk with Christ. However, it is not always going to be a straight line, or an upwards arrow.
When I was around 15 years old, I was involved in dance. I took many classes and was on a couple of dance teams. I absolutely loved it. The feeling of accomplishment from mastering a new trick, or finally committing a new dance to memory was amazing. However, that feeling didn’t last. Whenever I would finally get that trick down, it was time to move on to the next. There was so much that I had to learn, and I just wanted to be the best at everything. I experienced tremendous growth in my classes and was ready to try out for a new competitive team. Then something stopped me in my tracks. I experienced a cardiac arrest and ended up in the hospital. My heart had stopped working due to my preexisting condition, and there was a chance it would never work again. After multiple prayers, and love from family and friends, I received a new heart -one that would sustain me for a long time. There was a lot of growth that took place after I got my new heart. I had to relearn how to walk again, talk again, run again, and dance again. This was a difficult thing to do, and it took a tremendous amount of effort. However, as I said before, growth is not always what we think it is. Yes, I grew a lot in my health, but even though I got a new heart I still didn’t know how to properly use it.
I had grown in everything else but my faith in Christ, where it hit a plateau. While I was finally walking again, I wasn’t walking with the one that truly matters. There are many miracles that happen in this world, and they are inspiring to see. However, it can all be counted as loss if we don’t have Jesus (Philippians 4:8). I knew how amazing it was that I didn’t lose my life, especially when there was a very high chance that I could have. However, that was all I knew. I had grown up a Christian without ever really knowing Christ. Once I decided to rededicate my life to him after my heart transplant, I realized the grace that was given to me. Jesus saved me as a broken sinner. I wasn’t unhealthy simply because my heart was. I was unhealthy because I wasn’t following God. I am still growing, and still learning day by day. With growth, you will have days where you fall back a bit. Where you hit the ground and must reach a little higher to get to where you were before you fell. However, something to remember is that you are never in it alone. God loves to see you grow, and he wants to help you as you do. All you need to do is open your heart to him and allow him to fix it.
Alexis J Anderson