Sometimes It Takes a Lifetime: A Reflection of Growth and Transformation

We all love hero stories. We like having someone we can always count on to do the right thing. There’s something about the hero’s bravery, endurance, and sacrificial love that gives us hope. My personal favorite hero stories come from the Marvel movies. But here’s the thing: most of those characters aren’t born heroes. Instead, they become them.

Recently, I’ve been watching the Iron Man movies with my sister and soon-to-be brother-in-law. Iron Man, also known as Tony Stark, starts off as an arrogant womanizer, but then he becomes something more. I love Tony Stark’s character arc because it takes him years to become the hero who sacrifices his life for the entire world in Avengers: Endgame. Even after he invents the Iron Man suit, he still has a lot of growing to do, and little by little, with each movie, he changes. He goes from being an irresponsible playboy to a loving father, husband, and hero who died saving the world.

So why am I ranting about one of my favorite superheroes to you on a random Wednesday morning? Well, Tony Stark’s transformation reminds me that growth is gradual. It doesn’t happen overnight. In fact, it can take an entire lifetime. Another common example of this is the life of a butterfly. This insect takes weeks before it turns into a beautiful butterfly, and it starts off as a squirmy caterpillar. So, as you go about your week, remember that you’re still growing, and so are the people around you. Have patience and humility. Surround yourself with people who will have a positive impact on your life, and keep learning.

I hope this brings you some encouragement today. As always, I love hearing from you, so please let me know in the comments ways you have been growing this year. What is one thing you hope to learn? What is something you have already learned?