Astonishing Growth

I have never seen it before!
In just over a week, a vast edible mushroom has grown on my windowsill.
It started when I bought a mushroom-growing kit 2 weeks ago. From a 'standing start', and with daily water-spraying, this large and ugly, but potentially delicious, fruit has emerged. The next question will be when do we eat it!
What has been astonish has been the rate of growth of this fungus. We have all probably seen the astonishing way in which toadstools in the wild (or the garden) emerge in autumn. With the right conditions, the growth rate is astonishing.
Jesus told stories about this sort of thing. He doesn't speak of mushrooms or toadstools, but of another fungus, yeast, in bread-making.
'He told them still another parable: “The kingdom of heaven is like yeast that a woman took and mixed into about sixty pounds of flour until it worked all through the dough.” (Matthew 13.33)
When comparing the yeast (a tiny amount) with the flour (a huge batch), Jesus is making the point that He expects astonishing growth in the impact brought about by his followers. Given the right conditions, it is natural for fungi to reproduce at a great rate. For fungi, the right conditions include dampness and the right temperature.
What are the right conditions for us to grow in influence and effectiveness in our day?
I guess, as Chris reminded us yesterday, we need a Christ-focus and connection, and the attitude of letting Jesus to work in us and through us in every situation. As we have heard often, the world is watching and hoping to see the life of God on view amongst ordinary people like us. That is very attractive.
I am praying that we help set the right conditions for astonishing growth to happen in and through us - to the glory of God.
Best wishes,
Richard