"La sainteté est une chose qui grandit, plus l'arbre de Dieu est"

Growing in holiness is like nurturing a tree. Initially, it's just a small sapling, but with care and time, it grows into a mighty tree. That's the core idea—holiness isn't instantaneous. It's a process that takes time and effort.

Historically, this concept comes up quite a bit in religious contexts. Think about it: saints and spiritual leaders often emphasize that growing closer to God or achieving spiritual maturity isn't a one-time event. It's an ongoing journey. This idea is especially prominent in Christian traditions, where the journey to sanctity is seen as a lifelong process.

Now, let's make this concrete with a real-life example. Imagine someone who's really into fitness. They don’t get ripped overnight. They work out consistently, eat well, and gradually see results. Similarly, someone aiming to grow in holiness needs to consistently practice their faith—praying regularly, engaging in their community, and striving to live by their spiritual principles. Over time, just like the fitness enthusiast sees physical growth, the person committed to their spiritual path will notice changes in their inner life—a deeper sense of peace, more compassion, and a stronger connection to their faith.

So, how can you apply this wisdom in your daily life? Start small. If you're trying to grow spiritually, set aside a few minutes each day for quiet reflection or prayer. Don't be too hard on yourself if you miss a day—remember, it's about consistent growth over time. Get involved in a community where you can share your journey and learn from others. Think of it like watering your spiritual tree. Each small action contributes to your growth.

Let me paint a picture for you with a relatable story. Think about a young woman named Sarah. She's juggling work, family, and trying to find meaning in her life. She feels a bit lost and wants to grow spiritually. So, she decides to start each day with ten minutes of meditation and gratitude. At first, it’s hard—she forgets, she’s too tired, or she just can’t focus. But she keeps at it. After a few months, those ten minutes become a cherished part of her routine. She starts to notice changes: she’s less stressed, more patient with her kids, and she feels more connected to something bigger than herself. Her journey isn’t perfect, and she has setbacks, but she keeps growing—just like a tree.

Remember, growing in holiness or any form of personal development isn’t about perfection. It’s about progress. It’s about those small, consistent steps you take every day. Over time, they add up, and you’ll look back and be amazed at how far you’ve come.

So, if you're feeling overwhelmed or impatient with your progress, take a deep breath. Imagine that tree. Give yourself the grace to grow at your own pace. Keep nurturing your spiritual life, and trust that, like a well-tended tree, you'll grow stronger and more rooted over time.