I frequently pass three small tree saplings when I walk through my neighborhood. They each have a black drainage pipe surrounding their tiny trunk to support their first few years of growth. (Photos below.)
I immediately thought about how important it is to have the support systems we so desperately need when we are doing anything for the first time, or when we are especially vulnerable and something we were able to do before suddenly feels like it’s too much for us.
Each tree’s drainage pipe has a few inches of extra diameter to allow the tree room to grow and bend, but it will not allow it to break. What a perfect visual of a great support system.
If the drainage pipe completely held the tree, it wouldn’t develop its own strength and resilience. Its roots would not grow strong because the black pipe wouldn’t allow for any testing, any bend.
The joy of growing through challenging times is just that, growing. Each time we are tested, we send our roots down deeper which enables us to endure the next strong wind or storm.
Can you trust that everything you are going through right now will be what grows your "trunk" so that you can withstand life's challenges five or ten years from now? We may have our sights set on big goals or dreams but the person we are today won’t be the person who achieves those. Our future selves will be the ones to cross those finish lines.
It’s possible we won’t be able to handle what life holds for us in the future with the trunk diameter that we have today. The best way we can step into greater destinies is for our trunks to grow bigger and stronger. We can look at our adverse circumstances as the very spiritual vitamins we need to grow into our futures. So yes, I’m telling you we have to be thankful for them! We need them. But we don't have to go it alone.
There is no shame in wanting or needing support. If a tree that will grow to a 30” diameter or more needs help in the beginning, who are we to deny ourselves support or to shame ourselves for seeking it?
The strongest people understand they don’t have to be strong all the time and they don’t have to weather everything alone.
Trying something for the first time? How about asking a mentor to support you on this new venture? Have you recently been shaken by life circumstances and feel overwhelmed? How about allowing some people to hold you for a season? Perhaps you are feeling quite solid in life. Look around, maybe there is someone you can uphold during a difficult time.
We need one another. Perhaps the very essence of life is the relationships we cherish through the ups and downs. My pastor recently said that the valleys would be so much more difficult if we didn’t have good relationships to walk alongside us to make sure we get through them. And the hilltops would be a lot less meaningful if we didn’t have a group of friends standing by our side to celebrate life’s victories.
Wherever you are, give thanks for those who are standing by your side. We are richer because of them.
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Cheers to a great week, noticing the gifts that matter most. Feel free to share this with a friend. Until next time...
To your gifts!
Angela
UPCOMING EVENTS:
Monthaven Art Society Spring Art Exhibit
Our Spring Exhibit will open this Friday, April 19 and run through Sunday, May 5 at the Monthaven Arts and Cultural Center, 1017 Antebellum Circle, Hendersonville. Over 29 artists participating with over 100 works of all styles and mediums.
The opening reception will be Sunday, April 28, 2 to 5 PM with good eats and live music. See you there!
Speaking, Art and Book Event
On April 30, I will be speaking at a community event to kick off a year-long celebration of the 150th anniversary of the First Presbyterian Church of Hendersonville. Coffee starts at 9 am and my talk will start at 10 am.
Books and paintings will be available for sale and I am also donating a painting which will be auctioned off that morning to raise funds for improvements to their historic cemetery. Hope to see you!
P.S.
FTG Readers Group Rocks! I'm so grateful to walk this journey with you all and I love reading your comments in our
Facebook Readers Group. Please join the conversation if you're not already a member. Your voice is important!
Book Reviews Help So Much!
If you haven't already, would you please leave a book review on
Amazon and/or
Goodreads? Thank you in advance for taking a moment to do this and much appreciation to those who already
have!
