Growing Even When You're Not Always Blooming

I recently read somewhere that "You don't have to be blooming to be growing."

It's an important truth for us to remember, for the implications are myriad and profound. We often think of gardens in bloom and how beautiful they are to behold and appreciate; yet this season of blooming isn't the same as the growing season.

To grow, you first must plant, and planting involves digging. Digging is the process of removing whatever is "in the way," reaching deep into the depths of the obstacles that prevent us from growing and intentionally pulling them out of the way so that something new can be planted in their place, into our lives.

What are some of the obstacles or impediments that are preventing growth in your own life? Guilt, self-doubt, procrastination, hesitancy, struggle to admit when we may be wrong, struggle to take wise advice, tunnel vision? The list could go on and on for each of us. However, once we dig deep and remove these obstacles, we can begin to plant and grow something new which will enrich our lives — professionally, relationally, and emotionally.

Growth also involves pruning. The flowerbeds around our home may include shrubs, azaleas, and hydrangeas. These plants regularly grow too high, covering the windows and shrouding the house in darkness. Every year, we must prune and cut them down considerably. Frankly, they aren't pretty after pruning: the once blooming and gorgeous plants look like stubby patches of dead branches that were the victims of somebody's runaway lawnmower.

But eventually, something magical happens. Once the dead branches and blighted places have been cut away, the plants grow back stronger, with more vitality and vigor. When their blooming season arrives, their flowers are once again brilliant and vibrant — beauty that is only possible after they are pruned.

Pruning is a discipline which helps to regulate and focus the direction of growth. How might pruning look in our own lives? Are there facets of our lives which may need to be reduced or cut back to strengthen our roots and refocus the direction of our growth? We can all think of some aspects of our lives which may need pruning back. The result of this pruning will be more productive and more fulfilling lives, making us stronger, happier, and more grateful.

Here's one final thought to consider: no one notices growth. In fact, there are times we may be growing or in a season of growth in our own lives, and we may not even be aware of it ourselves until later looking back on how the time changed and benefited us. Imagine looking at a garden or a flower or your lawn and trying to watch it grow; it would be almost impossible. You'd stare and stare and seem to see no difference for many hours, days, weeks, and months.

Blooming is different because we can quickly see when colorful blooms appear. Blooming is a time to enjoy the rewards of our hard work, self-discipline, and dedication. But without the time spent digging, planting, and pruning ourselves, we'll never grow and never enjoy our blooming seasons. Remember: you continue to grow even when you're not blooming.