STOP AND THINK – Reputation grows like a mushroom; Character grows like an oak. (William Hershey Davis, 20th century biblical scholar)
It takes many years for an acorn to develop into a full-grown, strong oak. Many other trees grow quickly, but never become stable. Character is like that, too. It takes life’s experiences and trials to establish character, but the strength they develop is long-lasting and fruitful.
Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. (James 1:2-3)