Rooted Growth!

Have you ever considered the story of the Chinese Bamboo Tree? The peculiar tree that doesn’t “grow” until its fifth year in the soil. Imagine you own a farm and there’s this seed (with potentials) that refuses to grow for two good years despite the time and care you invest into nurturing it. What would you do? Abandon it? Or continue with hope in your heart?

Philippians 1:6

[6] Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ:
(KJV)

With the Bamboo Tree as a representation of your dreams, plans, and aspirations, I have a question for you. What is growth to you? Is it a mere increase in physical appearance, acquisitions, and popularity? Or is it something beyond what the hand can touch? Is it the extent to which something is sensible to the human mind?

I’ve heard someone say that growth should first be internal and then it begins to automatically influence the external. On your journey to the future, there are times when you shouldn’t take steps based on the things you can see. Not all visible signs are sensible or safe for you to follow.

Hebrews 11:1

[1]  The fundamental fact of existence is that this trust in God, this faith, is the firm foundation under everything that makes life worth living. It’s our handle on what we can’t see.
(MSG)

The story of the Chinese Bamboo Tree teaches perseverance, strength, patience, determination, confidence, and trust. The owner of the tree who doesn’t give up nurturing it for five years is the same person who sees it grow 80feets in just 6 weeks. Does this mean it only started growing after the fifth year?

The tree didn’t start growing after the fifth year, for five years it built a strong foundation for itself. A foundation that could carry its eventual stature and weight. A foundation where it stored up all the juicy nutrients it got for five years.

Dr. Myles Munroe said

“A house is only as valuable as the strength of its foundation. And its foundation is only as what it’s built upon.”

What investments are you making for your desired future? Do you take personal development seriously? Or are you part of those who believe in instant success without building inwards first? How then do you sustain your success when it comes? Why not invest more of your energy, time, and facilities into self-development? Start building downwards today!