Friday, June 25

Can papyrus grow where there is no marsh? Can reeds flourish where there is no water?
—Job 8:11

Environment is everything when it comes to making things grow. It doesn’t matter if it is tall corn stalks in the middle of Nebraska, or reeds in the middle of Egypt, or people in the midst of everyday life. Environment is what makes the conditions for growth possible.

When growth is stunted or inhibited, or when a growing thing becomes sick, it is because something is askew in its surroundings, and those surroundings need to be changed in order for full health and development to be restored. 

Much is written and taught in contemporary society about the need for balance in our lives. We know that when we are unbalanced, we are distorted and lack the right environment in which to thrive. And so, we try to create a more positive environment by changing our reactions, by reducing our stress, by taking time for ourselves, by exercising.

What about the environment that surrounds our soul? Is there any imbalance, disturbance, or distortion there? Is there ample time and space for the soul to grow, or is it cramped and scrunched between all the busy-ness of life? Is there enough silence so that it can be still and commune with its Creator? Is it choking on a diet of shame and guilt, or it is swimming freely in an ocean of unconditional love?

Think for a moment about your soul—can it grow where there is no marsh? Can it flourish where there is no water?

O God, give me the wisdom to see what needs to be changed in my life so that my soul is able to breathe.

These Signposts originally appeared on explorefaith in 2003.