My late father and grandfather always spoke of the “little acorn that became the mighty oak.” They referenced it in sermons, in family gatherings and lessons they taught to their children. I always thought of them as mighty oaks. They were strong, powerful, loud men and when they spoke, people listened and acted on those words.

The oak is a hardwood. It takes a great deal of effort to reach its full maturity, but once it does, it stands out amongst the other trees in the forest.

I used to always think that the goal was to be the oak, and for a period of time, I didn’t realize that, like the acorn, we have to go through growing pains to become the mighty oak. It takes deliberate effort to grow into the oak, but it also takes help. The acorn doesn’t become the oak overnight and it doesn’t do it alone. There are many factors that go into the growth process, similar to us and our journey to maturity. We may not need rain and sunshine to grow, but we do need help and encouragement. We need to be guided and shown the way at times when we stumble.

I look at where I am in my life now and I give thanks for all the people that have helped me grow in my faith journey and walk with Christ. Now, while I still need help along in my path, I’m at a point where God has equipped me to help others and what other calling is greater than that to serve?