Environmental Growth

I remember having a conversation with someone and they explained to me why they chose to remain in the same environment that they were complaining about being “stuck” in. So my question was simple, “why are you still there?” Their response was, “Because I feel like I’d be running away from my problems if I leave.” While, I sort of understood what they may have meant, I still couldn’t quite understand how a person would subject themselves to “dry places” just to say, “at least I didn’t run away.” Then I thought about it, we do it all the time! We will remain in a toxic situation for months and sometimes years, holding on to hopes of something changing. But maybe the thing that needs to change is us! Have you ever thought that may be these things have happened in “this place” because it’s time for me to move to the “next place?” Maybe this season is complete but I’m forcing myself to remain in it just to satisfy my ego of not “running.” Which could, in turn, be foolishness! Especially if “this place” is no longer helping you to grow. How long are you willing to hold up your growth just for the sake of saying “I stayed?”

The fact still remains that you are responsible for your own growth…and if the environment isn’t conducive for what you are carrying, why wouldn’t you migrate to a more fertile ground? Even though flowers are designed to grow from the ground, they can still be stunted if the ground doesn’t produce the necessary nutrients. The flower doesn’t have the ability to dig itself up and pick a more fertile area. It has no choice but to die. Why? Because it lacked proper nutrients needed for growth. But you have a choice. You can change your surroundings. You can migrate to a more sustainable environment. Or…you can be a flower and remain planted in dry ground and eventually, just die.

Why is it that we as people feel bound to the opinions of others concerning our well-being, in regards to change? Don’t get me wrong. I am not referring to those who offer wise counsel. I’m referring to those who disagree with your want of change because of their familiarity of you being in the same place. Don’t let this be your hold back. Remember, it is you who is responsible for your growth. Yes, we have teachers, pastors, mentors, leaders and etc., but ultimately, you decide if you grow or remain stagnant.

Seasons change so that atmospheres can change. Certain things can’t grow in certain seasons. We know this from science. So just think, what if winter remained for 12 months? How many plants, trees, crops, and other things would never exist? Simply because winter is not their atmosphere! Spring brings those things. So the sunlight and the warm weather is necessary for their growth. Now say these plants, trees, and crops grew in the spring time and now it’s time for summer….but the summer remains for the next 12 months. Yes, they benefit from the sunlight and the warm weather but the constant summer heat may be too extreme to continue the cycle of growth needed. The seasons have to change because the atmosphere has to change. Our life works the same way. We have to continue to remain in the atmosphere that nourishes what we carry. And sometimes this involves finding the next well that provides the water that you need.