A smooth sea never made a skilled mariner.
– English proverb
There I Grow Again
The Great Barrier Reef, stretches some 1,800 miles from
New Guinea to Australia. Tour guides regularly take
visitors to view the reef. On one tour, a traveler
asked the guide an interesting question.
“I noticed that the lagoon side of the reef looks pale
and lifeless, while the ocean side is vibrant and
colorful,” the traveler observed. “Why is this?”
The guide gave an interesting answer:
“The coral around the lagoon side is in still water
with no challenge for its survival. It dies early. The
coral on the ocean side is constantly being tested by
wind, waves, and storms — surges of power. It has to
fight for survival every day of its life.
As it is challenged and tested, it changes and adapts.
It grows healthy. It grows strong. And it reproduces.”
Then he added this telling note: “That’s the way it is
with every living organism.”
That’s how it is with people. Challenged and tested, we
come alive! Like coral pounded by the sea, we grow.
Physical demands can cause us to grow stronger. Mental
and emotional stress can produce tough-mindedness and
resiliency. Spiritual testing can produce strength of
character and faithfulness.
So, you have problems? No problem!
Just tell yourself, “There I grow again!”
– Contributed by Kiesha Campbell
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