PLANTING AND WATERING. Hope in the One Who Brings Growth

I don’t like chores. I do them, but I must admit that I don’t always do them with a cheerful heart. One of the chores I don’t mind so badly, however, is yard work. Cutting the grass, edging the yard, and blowing off the driveway are tasks I kind of enjoy. Perhaps it stems back to my high school days mowing yards as a summer job. I also think part of it is that it is a task in which one can easily see progress and even observe a finished product in a short amount of time. Regardless of what it is, I have been known to spend quite a bit of time in the yard in the spring and summer.

Fall is also an important time of the year to spend some time in the yard. Investing time in the fall makes for a healthier, fuller yard in the spring. Fall is the time for reseeding. For someone who enjoys yard work, it is a magical time! My wife makes fun of me because during this time of year, she often finds me on my hands and knees in the middle of the yard checking to see if the seed has germinated and the grass has begun to grow. I check on it regularly, hoping I can make it grow. I know. I’m a little weird, but I am made in God’s image, so don’t forget that!

In the world of education, we talk about growth all the time. We talk about our professional growth and how we will accomplish that. We talk about student growth and how we will foster, monitor, and report that. Growth is a big deal in our world. Seeing students grow and learn is what keeps us coming back day after day, pouring our lives into children. Regardless of what age of students you serve, those moments of growth are addicting. 

I have been fortunate to work with students of various ages throughout my career. I’ve experienced the wide-eyed beginnings of kindergarteners and the damp-eyed finishes of seniors. Each age of student presents amazing moments and unique challenges. No matter which end of the spectrum you serve, growth is the goal. 

In the Book of 1 Corinthians, Paul wrote to the church in Corinth to provide some direction. He described those in the church as immature, “mere infants in Christ” (3:1). Paul desired to guide them toward maturation in their faith. In Chapter 3 Paul addressed what seemed to be a division in the church regarding whose teaching they were following (i.e., the teaching he provided or the teaching of Apollos). Paul had planted the church, and Apollos came later to serve in the established church. The Book of Acts notes that Apollos “taught about Jesus accurately” (Acts 18:25). Paul laid it out pretty clearly to the church when he stated, “What, after all, is Apollos? And what is Paul? Only servants, through whom you came to believe, as the Lord has assigned each his task” (1 Corinthians 3:5).

God gave both Paul and Apollos a task to complete, and they did so effectively and for the glory of God. Paul later stated, “I planted the seed, Apollos watered it” (1 Corinthians 3:6). Each served a specific role in the growth of the church of Corinth. Paul and Apollos had different jobs, but both roles were important in creating the conditions for God to grow His church.

I think the same could be said for those who serve in education. We each have different roles; we make unique contributions toward student growth. When I worked with elementary aged students, it seemed we spent a great deal of time planting seeds. Don’t get me wrong. We saw amazing growth in our students. However, much time and effort was spent in planting seeds that we hoped would develop and grow as students matured. 

Over the course of a student's career, seeds that were planted earlier begin to sprout. Though we continue to plant, often the work of watering and pruning take center stage as students begin to figure out which plants they want to mature. We water as students identify where their passions lie and where they excel the most. When working with secondary students, the seeds that have been planted over time, when watered and tended, are able to flourish. 

No matter what role you play in supporting the growth of students, I think Paul’s words can reassure us. We each play a significant role in the maturation and development of our students. You may be a planter like Paul, or perhaps you are a waterer like Apollos. Both are necessary for the development of a flourishing plant and an abundant harvest. Just as important is Paul’s reminder “…but God has been making it grow” (1 Corinthians 3:6). Our role is significant, but He is the one who brings growth.

My guess is that there are times when you have wondered if you are making a difference. Let me reassure you that you are. You are serving in a noble profession, giving your life in the service of children, families, and communities. I understand that it can be challenging to continually plant into the life of a student and not see much harvest. I also understand the challenge of continually watering in hope that the plant will, one day, come to maturity and produce fruit. Our business takes a lot of faith and hope. We are called to be faithful planters and waterers in the lives of the students, and we are called to have faith that God will provide the growth.   

“The one who plants and the one who waters have one purpose, and they each will be rewarded according to their own labor. For we are co-workers in God’s service” (1 Corinthians 3:9-10).

Co-workers in God’s service. That has a nice ring to it, doesn’t it? Let me encourage you to continue to faithfully plant seeds in the lives of your students and to water and care for the seeds that have been planted. Both planting and watering matter! I would also encourage you to have faith in the One who brings growth. I am confident He notices the work you are doing on a daily basis and that you will be rewarded for your labor. God will bring growth. You may not see it as quickly as you’d like, but have faith. Our God is a faithful God!

Dr. Garrett Prevo is a High School principal.  He lives in MO with his wife and five children. Reach Garrett at: g818prevo@gmail.com  

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