What I’m Thinking: Hidden Growth

Two of Jesus’ parables describe mysterious or surprising growth. Could it be that that is the most important growth of all?

Here’s a transcript:

I’m thinking about the fourth chapter of Mark today (Mark 4:26-34). In it, Jesus told two parables of growth: the growth of the seeds in a farmer’s field, which sprout and bear fruit of themselves, and no one knows quite how or why.

The other parable about the mustard seed: the tiny seed that bears no hint, in and of itself, of the great bush that will spring forth from it.

Mark adds that Jesus told parables to those that he met, and then explained them in private to his disciples: more growth happening out of sight, away from common view.

That, I hope, is where growth is happening: where I can’t see it, where you, perhaps, can’t see it.

Within you, within me, within those around us.

This hidden growth that builds up our communities, deepens our relationships, brings us closer, I think, to God.

That’s what I’m thinking. I’m curious to hear about what you’re thinking. Leave me your thoughts in the comment section below; I’d love to hear from you.

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