Need a Change of Pot? By Meryl McKean

One of the many things I love about spring is the chance to grow seedlings. I’m not a great gardener but I do get a lot of pleasure from planting seeds. There is something quite thrilling to see new life emerge and grow, eventually becoming a strong, healthy, fruitful plant. I get my seed boxes out in March and decide what seeds I’m going to buy. Usually I go for the flowers I’ve had success with in the past, such as Cosmos and Sunflowers, then maybe I’ll try something new. I tend to avoid most vegetables after a few disappointments involving courgettes, but tomatoes always tempt me to have a go.

By now my seedlings have been upgraded from the propagators into pots and over the last couple of weeks I’ve been planning and executing their exit into the garden. Sometimes their growth can take me by surprise, roots and shoots have a growth spurt, stranding them in a pot much too small. When I lift them out, I find their roots beginning to clump together, crying out for more space to grow without restrictions.

This reminds me of our lives as writers. Often, we grow and flourish within our comfort zone. We may have established helpful routines and ways of writing. It can be tempting to stay there – the familiar comfortable pot we have grown attached to. If we take that step of faith and look for a bigger pot, then we can release potential for further growth and fruitfulness. It takes faith as it can feel quite risky. So, what are these bigger pots? They can be many and varied: maybe attending a course to improve our writing, trying a different genre or perhaps building in some accountability to help productivity.
The Bible has a lot to say about growth. Colossians 2 v 7 speaks of letting our roots grow down into Jesus. This results in growth. We want our writing, as with all our lives to be built on Him. So why not ask Him if there is a new pot for you. As with the plants, with a bigger pot, you can anticipate new growth and fruitfulness.

What are some of the pot changes you have tried? I’d love to hear if there is a new pot you are being challenged to step into?

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Meryl McKean loves writing devotionals and poems and has had a few articles published over the years as well as using her writing in her work. She wants her writing to be a tool which helps others draw closer to God. She is married to Andy and lives in Bedford. Her day job as a member of her church staff leadership team is full of challenges and opportunities.