Some thoughts on Flourishing

   This month we begin the season of Spring and the freedom writers have decided to write on what it means to flourish.  What does it mean to flourish?
“But blessed is the man who trust in the LORD, whose confidence is in Him.  He will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream.  It does not fear when heat comes; its leaves are always green.  It has no worries in a year of drought and never fails to bear fruit. “ – Jeremiah 17:7-8
A Story…
   I walk the stairs in my home as my mother-in-law does laps around the downstairs living area.  To keep moving in her older years, my mother-in-law walks for 10-12 minutes after each meal.  After dinner we walk together.  I see her strength and courage as she faces the changes that come with age.
An Invitation to Empathy…
    We recently saw a movie titled The Father, about an 81-year-old man, Anthony suffering from dementia.  We were put in the shoes of someone suffering from the disorder.  Here is a clip of the closing scene below.

​ How do we “flourish” when we feel like we’re losing our leaves?  How do we “flourish” when others seem to be losing theirs…?
“But blessed is the man who trust in the LORD, whose confidence is in Him.  He will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream.  It does not fear when heat comes; its leaves are always green.  It has no worries in a year of drought and never fails to bear fruit. “
    Can we trust in the one who waters and sends drought?  Can we trust in the one who showers blessings but also allows adversity?  Can we believe that He is working all things for our good?
    Maybe we are here to be both Anthony and his compassionate nurse.  Maybe in this life, we need and are needed.  Maybe this is what it means to flourish – to recognize our need to trust and to love and to be loved.
    I walk the stairs as my mother does her laps and I marvel at her…
*If you are feeling like Anthony (Antonia 😊) please don’t hesitate to contact me.
christina@coldspringschurch.net 

Sincerely & With Love,
Christina

• Freedom - to live as people who are free (1 Peter 2:16)
• Truth – Jesus is the way, the Truth and the life (John 14:6)
• Grace – Undeserved favor to live in freedom (2 Corinthians 9:8)