Thriving Not Just Surviving

“How are you doing”? As a widow, that question is asked often, along with a reply that is easy and not very honest at times. “I’m okay, Thanks for asking.” Well, today I have another answer… “Thank you for asking, I am THRIVING, not just surviving.” I am blessed, thankful, hopeful, and intentional with this ongoing journey and every chapter that God guides me through.

I would be remiss if I didn’t share that there have been days that include moments, or lingering passages of time layered with sadness, grief, and uncertainty about what my purpose is now. But there are more times than not that I find myself thriving where a short time ago, on any given day, I might have resembled a widow just surviving. I am thankful, grateful, and immensely appreciative of my life. This life and journey that has been forever altered through the love that God blessed me with through Ken for 34 years. The love that Ken and I had for Jesus Christ first and then for each other didn’t die along with his earthly body. Although the love we had for each other is no longer providing me with daily doses of nurturing and personal touch from Ken, the love we had is still growing in and through me in a sense. The seeds of love that God planted in my life and heart through Ken have forever changed my current existence and all of my tomorrows.

I am THRIVING, not just surviving! I was reminded today, much like my flourishing Fuchsia. Barely surviving, damaged, and in bad shape when she caught my eye a few months ago on the plant clearance rack. (That place where plants go when they are no longer producing or on their way to the compost pile.) It was 38 years ago, when Ken picked out a Fuchsia of the same color on our honeymoon in Mendocino, CA. So, this Fuchsia was destined to end up in my cart. I brought her home, carefully placed her into a bigger pot along with fresh potting soil, cut away the dead branches, and then waited.  I was not certain she would bloom again or survive the sweltering summer heat of Northwest Arkansas. She was rolled up under the porch awning when the sun’s rays were scorching and given a spritz of water on her delicate leaves at night. Her spent blooms were removed along with bug-attacked leaves. After just a few months, look at her today, not just surviving but thriving as she shows off an array of colorful blooms. Our next season of winter and freezing snow, you ask? Well, she may find herself in the garage or someone’s greenhouse, but for this season, she has provided lots of time to nurture, protect, and enjoy.

While I don’t compare myself to a Fuchsia, this moment reminded me of the countless times God has cared for my broken heart, nurtured my soul, protected me, and guided me on this journey. In this season, or chapter of my journey, I am grateful, hopeful, and THRIVING.

My journey is certainly in process as it were. Reality dictates that  I am a widow, no longer married to Ken, but I am still and always will be the daughter of Jesus Christ. And with that comes assurance, comfort, and peace. Along with the responsibility to seek after God first and trust him as he leads and guides me and prunes me at times when I need it to grow and flourish. I am ever hopeful of the ultimate promise fulfilled on that day when I will slip into eternity. But in the meantime, my goal is to not only survive, but to thrive and be ready for opportunities to share the love of Jesus with others.

I have discovered that thriving takes time and effort. And it is not the byproduct of just waiting or hoping for a brighter day. But instead it has taken me to a place where I have experienced the vital importance of trusting God more and more, reading His word, having ongoing conversations with Him and allowing His Holy Spirit to nurture and prepare me to thrive.

I want to thank you for continuing this journey with me. I am so grateful to be able to share my story, thoughts, and journey with you. I hope that you will be encouraged in whatever season of life you are going through. May you sense God’s love as you live out your personal journey. And if you are facing a difficult journey,  I hope that you will know that you are valued and not alone.  I pray that in time you, too, will experience “Thriving Not Just Surviving”.

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May God bless and nourish your heart today, my friend.
Pati

Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.
Proverbs 3:5,6 (NIV)

“I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing”.
John 15:5 (NIV)

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