Oh, the tragedy of failing to reach one’s potential. It is so easy to neglect that which has the capacity to grow the mustard seed. Consider 1 Corinthians 12: 18: “But in fact God has placed the parts in the body, every one of them, just as he wanted them to be” (ESV). I am convinced one of our greatest callings is to discover who it is God created us to be and to discover what it is He has created us to do. To discover, water and nourish who He has created us to be is to foster His intention for the tender shoot. Oh, to be like Paul who said in 1 Corinthians 15:10, “But by the grace of God I am what I am, and his grace toward me was not in vain”, (ESV).

THE TENDER SHOOT

Protective, haunting fear,
Arresting growth,
Preventing potential.

The ache that gnaws
Builds personas
That conceal me.

Like a tender shoot,
In rocky crags
I am.

Who cares?!
I am nothing!
My ever-present fear.

Will I grow?
Can I grow?
I think not.

So, I inhibit
The tender shoot
And, it withers.

-Richard Brewer
February 29, 1996