Growing

It is the beginning of the cold winter months in the Midwest and the last thing we see now is 'growth' in the sense of outdoor flora. But, inside we may be experiencing a different kind of growth - the kind that is not seen, but felt; not heard but experienced.
An inner growth that might reflect our need to continue to grow despite the outdoor climate limitations. Yes, even a spiritual growth!
In these cold wet months, my mind tends to ponder the potential gardening of the spring and summer. There is a renewed sense to experiment with new recipes - to try growing our epicurean delights. My daughters have a fervent desire to create and develop things of the crafty variety. The more restricted we are by the cooling weather, we seek to grow in other ways.
Humans have a tremendous capacity for growing and learning and changing. Even when it is frightening or unknown, there seems to be an innate need for growth in most of us.
And how many times do we limit that growth to something that is only seen or heard or done? Isn't spiritual growth just as valid as the active obvious types of growth?
Is there a limit imposed on acceptable ways to grow? My 7 year old wants to be 48 inches tall, or 4 feet tall -- she believes that to be the epitome of growth. If she does not achieve that (her birth mother was 4'9" tall), will that limit her potential in this world?
What about the ways that children learn? Their growth in school is determined by an arbitrary range of standards that are statistically calculated and compared.
But how do we measure our spiritual growth?
Does God, Adonai, Elohim, Yahweh, Allah have a pre-determined way to judge our growth in faith? Do we have an expectation of what it means to grow in our faith? If so, what might this feel, sound or look like?
My understanding of growing in faith to God is accepting the great mystery of faithfulness. The mystery of God who is only limited by our own meager human minds and hearts. The Almighty and Most High God of all can not be compared to a human, for no human has done what God has done.
In my limited capacity to determine spiritual growth, I understand that my faith in the mystery will prompt many more questions than answers. For the more I grow, the less I know.