Growing on an Infinite Trellis

In my backyard, a tenacious vine has transformed a simple chain-link fence into what looks like the walls of a hedge maze, growing ceaselessly in every direction. This persistent plant offers a vivid illustration of a profound concept from Gregory of Nyssa, a 4th-century Christian theologian, mystic, and bishop. Gregory’s notion of ‘spacing’ (diastema in Greek) provides a compelling framework for understanding our existence and purpose. Just as the vine grows within and beyond the confines of the fence, Gregory suggests that we, as created beings, exist within the limits of space and time, yet are called to grow and transcend these very limitations.

Gregory relates spacing to the idea of becoming. Because we exist in space and time, we are always in a state of change, or becoming. Our knowledge is always limited by our finite, space-bound perspective. We have to grow in all directions to become who we are meant to become.

The concept of spacing provides an invitation to embrace change and continuous improvement as a core characteristic of our very existence. Limitations become an opportunity for growth, not just a setback. When we begin to see life as a journey of constant becoming, we are invited into a world of curiosity and wonder.