It’s a funny thing, growth. We focus so much on the harvest, the end result. The proof of a job well done. And how could we not? The harvest is truly a sweet reward. However, in the waiting and chasing after the harvest how often do we overlook what was happening all along? How often do we overlook what happens beneath the surface? Down below in the dark, in the soil where no one can see. Hidden away while ever-so-slowly working through the most intricate and fragile process. You see, while the harvest is truly spectacular, the magic of your story is in the dirt.

When we read about the person who overcame everything to get to where they are at, let’s say the underdog athlete (just for the sake of visualizing) what are we seeing first? We are seeing their end result. We are seeing their harvest, right? We are seeing the pinnacle of their career because it is what built the platform they are sharing from.

However, when seated with the spotlight on them to tell their story, what is it that they share about? It certainly isn’t about the wealth or fame. It’s their story of struggle. Of trials. They share the stumbles, the mistakes, the times of stagnancy. They share about all the things that happened beneath the surface, the part that no one could see. They share the dirt of their story.

And why is that?

Because looking back, even despite the incredible harvest gained, they can see that the magic of their journey was in the dirt all along. It was where they found their character, their strength, their perseverance, their faith, their determination, their grit. It was in the dirt that they found themselves and who they were meant to be all along.

I know it can be hard. We want so badly to get to the end. We want to see the fruits of our labor, to earn the sweet nectar of harvest for everything we had to go through. But when you give yourself the grace to see the beauty in where you are at? You will see the magic. Despite the hardships, despite the heartaches, the trials, and the mess you will see the magic in your growth. 

That growth that stretches, and pulls, and leaves you battered and bruised sometimes as you fight your way through the dirt and muck. But it’s that growth in the dirt that is molding and transforming you. That growth will be your true harvest. Your sweet nectar. Your vibrant color. It will be your badge of honor and reminder that the best things come from hard things.

The magic of your story is in the dirt, friend. Keep an eye out for it. Take note of it. Hold it close.

Because after all, you have a story to tell.