Ahhhh… The seasons are changing and spring is in the air. Trees are budding and flowers are blooming.
Such a promising time of year.
But that promise doesn’t stop with nature. In fact, it applies to all of us, in all locations and seasons of our life.
Don’t believe me? Let me prove it.
Over the last year and half or so, I have been privileged to volunteer as SERVE Ministry Apprentice at Christ Community Church. It has been a time of growth… in more ways than one.
Yes, it has been remarkably rewarding and educational. I have learned hundreds of valuable tips, tools, tricks and lessons regarding ministry, values, healthy church life, and walking with Christ. (Seriously–I made a list.) However, it’s also been challenging.
But that’s all part of God’s process to grooming and pruning… in preparation to help us bloom.
Yep. Groomed and Pruned… Getting ready to bloom. (Hoping His ministry for us turns out to be a magnolia as big as my face…)
I’ve learned that the yellow reset button on the office copy machine is always a safe bet. I’ve made best friends. I’ve watched healthy conflict be resolved. I have discovered that you don’t have to feel weird raising your hands when you worship. I’ve learned the blessing of listening to God. I understand that ministry can be messy. I have been in the trenches and on the mountaintop.
It’s been one of the most diverse, incredible and memorable experiences of my entire life.
Just like gardens, bushes and trees need to be pruned and maintained, we too as Christians need to be groomed and pruned on our walk. Sometimes it is going to be a bit painful. We might not understand in the moment. But believe me– God is simply preparing us for that day when we are called to BLOOM– to share His love, His message, His glory , and fulfill His incredible plan for us.
Think about it… In what areas of your life has God groomed and pruned you to bloom? What was it like? Are you in the middle of that season now? How does He want you to respond? I always welcome your feedback– comment below!
As we prepare to depart Christ Community and move to our next duty station with the United States Army, I would like to thank CCC members and staff (and especially my “boss” Kelli) for the encouragement in the midst of this God-grooming-pruning opportunity. Honestly, we don’t know what the next chapter holds. But I trust Him that the time to bloom is coming– for each and every one of us.
Groom, Pruned and prepping to Bloom,
SGK
“The desert and the parched land will be glad;
the wilderness will rejoice and blossom.
Like the crocus, it will burst into bloom;
it will rejoice greatly and shout for joy.”
~Isaiah 35:1-2 NIV
