The almond tree bears it fruit in silence. (Thomas Merton, late American Catholic writer)
Have you ever watched a newly planted seed, hoping to see it sprout? Or, confirming Merton’s thought, have you ever tried to hear a tree grow and produce fruit? “Of course not,” you say; “how stupid.” Perhaps there is a good lesson to learn from these silly word-pictures. Humility in service calls no attention to itself but, nonetheless, will bear good and lasting fruit.
Make it your goal to live a quiet life, minding your own business and working with your hands. (1 Thessalonians 4:11)