They really believed it could happen that fast.

Not long ago, I heard about some seeds that reminded me of Grant and Russell's tree. If you plant the seed of a Chinese bamboo tree and care for it diligently every day for four years, nothing will happen. That's right ... nothing. Not even a sprout. But at some point during the fifth year it will begin to grow, and in just a few weeks it will be more than 80 feet tall.

I'm not a gardener. While I enjoy other people's gardens, it's simply not one of my passions. But I am passionate about children, and as a parent, grandparent, former teacher, and current school board member, I see that there are a lot of parallels between planting seeds, parenting, and education.

Plant the seeds, grow the roots, and eventually there will be a tree!

As parents and teachers, we plant the seeds of character and knowledge. Some of us are like Russell and Grant — we expect results within minutes, but each child has an individual timeline for growth. If we expect them all to grow and learn at the same rate, we will become discouraged. Sometimes we have to water and wait, and wait some more. Sometimes that waiting period is hard and we start to wonder if what we say or do really matters.

As for the Chinese bamboo tree, it didn't really grow 80 feet in just a few weeks. It grew for five years and a few weeks. What parents, educators and Christians need to remember is that just because we don't see immediate results, it doesn't mean the tree isn't growing.

Plant the seeds, grow the roots, and eventually there will be a tree. Never, ever, give up.

Consider him [Jesus] who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart (Hebrews 12:3 TNIV).

May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you the same attitude of mind toward each other that Christ Jesus had, so that with one mind and one voice you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ (Romans 15:5-6).

Staying Close by Dennis and Barbara Rainey This book provides a positive, workable strategy for keeping your marriage vital and intimate.

Teresa Bell Kindred is a lifelong Kentuckian, a former teacher, a wife, a mother, a freelance writer, and a frequent contributor to HEARTLIGHT. She is the author of the book The Knot at the End of Your Rope: 10 Ways to Hold On When You are Stressed Out. Learn more at her web site.

More Heartlight Feeds

Get Heartlight articles and devotionals by email FREE every day! Daily Heartlight Today's Verse What Jesus Did! Quotemeal

More Information