Here’s an interesting fact I recently learned, when you plant an apple tree, you could be waiting five to eight years before it even begins producing fruit! I don’t know why this surprised me so much. I knew trees take a long time to grow. But when I eat an apple, I’m not ever thinking that there were years of growth before the apple even started to become what it was meant to be.
To me that’s a really good example of not only how growth takes time, but how growth requires connection. That tree needs to stay connected to the ground, and that apple only grows because it stays attached to the tree that gives it life.
But that’s us (or at least me). We want to be more patient, less reactive, more loving. We want peace and self-control. We want to forgive more easily, worry less, and become better versions of ourselves.
Usually, our response is to try harder. We set goals, make resolutions and promise ourselves we’ll do better.
But maybe the problem isn’t that we aren’t trying hard enough. Maybe we’re looking for growth in the wrong place.
In John 15:5, Jesus says:
“I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit.”
Jesus doesn’t say, “Try harder” or “Fix yourself.” He says, remain. Stay connected.
Like fruit growing on a branch, spiritual growth can happen so slowly that we don’t notice it. We wonder, Why am I still anxious? Why do I keep making the same mistakes? Why don’t I feel closer to God?
But relationships take time. Our closest friendships aren’t built through one conversation. They grow through consistency, vulnerability, and simply showing up. Our relationship with God is no different.
So maybe the question isn’t, “Why am I not better yet?”
Maybe it’s, “Am I staying connected?”
Am I talking to God? Spending time in Scripture? Making room for Him in my everyday life?
You might not always see the change happening. But over time, you will notice yourself responding differently. Worry may loosen its grip. Compassion may come more naturally. Forgiveness may become easier.
Growth rarely happens all at once. It happens day by day, moment by moment, as we stay close to the One who gives us life. Our job is simple. Stay connected.