"God Causes All Things to Grow"

I do believe that spring has finally sprung here in Idaho! Flowers are popping out of the ground, and the trees are bursting with new buds. And the grass is very green and needing to be mowed (and since I don't have a mower I'm considering using scissors!). I don't think I need to verbalize how excited I am for this weather! What is it about warmer temperatures and sunshine that unconsciously brightens countenances and moods?

As I look around at the new growth in nature, I think of the new growth taking place in my life, as well:
As I research and write articles for GoodSeed, I'm learning new writing techniques (editing, also), and a whole lot of new information and ideas about ministry and evangelism.
As I interact with people (in person or via telephone) I'm challenged to grow in how I relate to them. This is one of the most challenging areas of growth for me since I've never been a great conversationalist. I often review conversations I've had (at the oddest times), and wish I could have said something different, and my constant prayer is for God to use my mouth to bring Himself glory. I wouldn't change this (sometimes painful) growth process, for it is drawing me ever closer to God.
As God provides opportunities, I'm learning how to use GoodSeed's tools for evangelism and discipleship. At the moment I'm involved in two studies during the week. One with a group of teens, and the other with a young lady whom I've recently met. For the study with the teens there is much prayer going on for their understanding and personal belief in Jesus Christ. We have lost 3 of the teens' attendance in the past few weeks, so I pray that they will continue to read on their own. For the young lady (a fairly new believer) she's learning how the Bible fits together for the first time. We are both excited about the study, and seeing the Bible through her new believer eyes brings a freshness to me that could otherwise be buried.
As I continue to attend Hayden Bible Fellowship, I'm challenged to grow in discernment and understanding. One thing that has specifically challenged me is to think hard about difficult Bible verses in order to understand what God is saying. Not that I haven't tried to understand His Word before, but certain passages are discussed that I've never put much thought into before. I'm so thankful for this growth!! Also, I'm growing in my piano playing ability (it doesn't always appear right away on the surface). I love this, since I've always wanted to learn everything I possibly could about the piano (and music in general).
As I read books (either assigned reading or pleasure), I'm constantly challenged to grow in my personal relationship with my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ through prayer, commitments, convictions, disciplines, etc.
As I teach piano lessons I'm challenged to grow in my teaching abilities. Actually, the piano lessons themselves are growing as I now have 3 students! These lessons are a special blessing to me, providing interaction with some of the most precious kids ever (although I don't think I've met any kid that I didn't think was the most precious ever)!

Like taking pictures of new life in the spring and finding that they don't do justice to the real thing, I don't think that these explanations of the growth in my life adequately express what is actually taking place. I pray that there will always be springtime in my relationship with my Lord, and I pray that for every believer I know.