As I pondered the word flourish from today’s prompt, I couldn’t help but think about my one month old granddaughter, Cali. If you read my blog or follow my Facebook page, you are already acquainted with Cali as she has been a repeat guest. She is flourishing in her NICU environment, and almost up to 6 lbs.
I was telling my daughter the other day that as much as we would all love to see her home, she is where she needs to be right now. They have adjusted her environment from the day she arrived until now to ensure she is thriving. She arrived on a ventilator and worked her way down to no oxygen support at all. She no longer needs the added warmth of incubation as she can now adjust her own body temperature. She continues to flourish, surrounded by prayer in the hands of these skilled doctors and nurses who are blessed with their talent by God.
In contemplating this, I began to think about how often we attempt to make all the conditions right for things to flourish. We plant that rose bush where it will receive 5-6 hours of sun per day, we water and fertilize it faithfully, we remove any encroaching weeds and pick off the dead bulbs and we watch and wait, hoping for a beautiful blossom covered bush.
Do we do the same thing for our souls? Do we make sure we are planted firmly on truth, rooted and grounded in faith? Do we water our souls with the Word of God, eating and drinking from the wellspring of Divine knowledge? Are we conscious of our environments, realizing that the places we go, the things we do and yes, even the company we keep has an effect on our lives? Are we cautious about who or what we pledge our loyalty to? Do we dig up, pull out and destroy the encroaching weeds of resentment, bitterness and un-forgiveness?
If we do, we are growing stronger every day and we can look forward to spiritually prosperous lives. If not then maybe this will serve as a gentle reminder. Let’s grow and thrive together! Blessings!
Long walks and dark chocolate 
To help our souls flourish in heaven should be our priority.
It is true that Jesus said, “But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.” Matthew 6:33-34 He through His Grace wants us to make Him first in His life. To grow though and to thrive, He wants us to read His Scripture and let the Spirit glean in our hearts what we need to understand. I often wonder why we do not teach our children upon their giving to Christ their lives, Galatians 5:22-23. The Fruits of the Spirit are such an important place our spirits begin to be fertilized in His Love. Thank you so much for your post!
thank you for taking time to read and comment!! Blessings!!
Wisdom from hours spent in the word. Good job.
thanks, bro – luv ya!