What if we were trees? Okay, stay with me. We won't get too symbolic on this one (even though we could!). Let's just say we were trees. The purpose of a tree is to GROW. Simple enough. Through the growth process it PRODUCES. The process is possible because of how it's FED. In order for any of this to happen a seed has to be planted in some soil...

Let's fast-forward. What would it be like if we planted that tree in a box. Harvested the perfect little seed. Threw it in a nice little box.

Cedar lined. Top of the line in fact. We water it. That seed starts to grow into a tree. Woohoo! Let's say that the box we planted it in was so strong that it held that tree in place. Eventually, the tree would die. The roots wouldn't be able to gather the nutrients they need to fully expand to their potential. It would start to be malnourished. It would stop growing. Stop producing. Stop being fed. It would die.

Why would we do that?!

It's something we do frequently when we put our dreams and purpose inside that neat little box. We lose site of the very reason we're here...to grow and produce the character traits that show the world Christ (love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control). We're taught early on to identify ourselves with a career, an income bracket, an all-American family and a sweet little SUV to shuttle us around. If the world were a suitor, it really is quite the proposal, isn't it?

Maybe you're facing discontentment with life because your roots are getting a little pinched in the box you've placed them in. When we stop listening to God, we stop hearing from God. What if He's trying to tell you something? Would you recognize His voice? Would you convince yourself it's not Him? It's easy to get comfy in that box and convince ourselves that we're already seeing the big picture.

What if our identity was rooted in our PURPOSE instead of the great PROPOSAL of the world. It can be luring, can't it?

What's captivating your heart lately?

Take this nifty test and remind yourself of the talents that God placed in you. You're here for a reason...make your mark. Get involved.