(Photo taken this week at Kanuga Camp and Conference Center near Asheville, N.C.)

Growth hog.

It made me laugh, even snort a little, and otherwise delighted me.

I love this term. It speaks to that part of us that is constantly yearning to be born. That part of us that is reaching toward a dream for a better world, a meaningful life, and the chance to make a difference. The chance to live into the vision that God has for us.

Once we have a taste of what is possible, it is difficult to be satisfied with what is. We can certainly be grateful for what is. We can appreciate what we have but, before much time passes, it will come again – that nagging sense that something new is longing to be created.

I read recently that the cells of the human body are replaced every seven years. Doesn’t it make sense that the vision for our lives would be subject to the same cycle of renewal? Doesn’t it make sense that we would constantly be writing and rewriting the story of our lives as we encounter and embrace new experiences, new understanding and new possibilities?

Growth opportunities may be inconvenient but they are inevitable. Lean into them. Give thanks for them.

You might find that you are a growth hog, too.

You send forth your Spirit, and they are created;
and so you renew the face of the earth. (Ps 104:31)