The Unexpected Secret to the Amazing Life You Long For

Discover the unexpected way God uses the seasons of your life offer you the help for living the amazing life you have always longed for.

---

I’ve never liked the word prune. I prefer words like grow and flourish. Words that are full of life and beauty. And, if I’m honest, words that are free from pain.

Pruning sounds too painful.

But what if it is the secret to the beauty we desperately long for?

I was reading a new book, flipping through it dreamily really. It’s a devotional from Sarah Philpott called The Growing Season. I’ve always loved the word seasons.

Discovering Seasons for an Amazing Life

Living in Connecticut, we experience them all from 100 degree summer days when the air feels like you could wring it out to 20 degree winter nights made perfectly cozy by the woodstove. My favorite seasons have always been the more temperate options of spring and fall, but they each hold a magic of their own that I wouldn’t want to give up.

The seasons around me often lead the ones within me.

• The brightness of spring draws me outside with new energy.
• The warmth of summer calls for time to relax with people I love.
• The crispness of fall beckons me to enjoy the outdoors a bit longer.
• The cold of winter leads me into a hibernation with books and tea.

My soul needs seasons to be healthy.

But, far too often, I fight them. I fight what goes with each. And I definitely clench my fists and shake my head when God gets out the pruning shears. I don’t like the pain of cutting away things that are tied to me. I just want the beauty with none of the pain, please and thank you.

Doesn’t that sound good to you?

I’m grateful God is so patient with us. Even when we resist and hold tight to all the things in our lives, He is kind and gentle. I love how Philpott reminds us:

We are called to bear fruit, so we must take care of our souls. John 15:8 says, “By this my Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit and so prove to be my disciples.” Let’s do the work of pruning so we can follow that direction.

Sarah Philpott, The Growing Season

Think About Your Season

Friend, think about what season you are in. Think about what God is doing in this season of your life, but also what you are being called to. Be purposeful and intentional about looking at both what you are called to hold onto and grow as well as what you are called to let go of.

God wants to make you healthy and fruitful. As you embrace the seasons of your life and his gentleness you can grow something beautiful.

---

My Favorite Resources for Helping You Grow an Amazing Life

---