During one Sunday morning worship service, I found myself sandwiched between rows of women outfitted in shades of lilac and Pepto-Bismol pink, wondering if this wardrobe coordination was just one of the many memos I had missed out on lately. I was attending a women’s gathering under the theme of “Flourish,”  and spent the day with a static expression on my face that must have read: “Theme not computing.” It was a meaningful weekend for the women in attendance, but it was an aching message for my spirit at the time, as I was walking through a season that felt far from flourishing. 

I find it easier to flourish in some seasons more than others. Don’t you? It’s easy to flourish when you are strolling through sunshine-coated days as our well-thought-out plans are unfolding just as we hoped they would. But when you find yourself in a perpetual pause of frustration and halted dreams, it can feel as if you are buried in an insufferable winter. 

Upon reflection, I took a walk outside that afternoon to catch my breath, and my eyes caught a glimpse of the vibrant spring trees hovering around me. I began wondering if they always looked this stunning, or if I had only caught them on a good day. In that moment, the theme verse of the women’s gathering began echoing in my head—Psalm 52:8, “But I am like an olive tree flourishing in the house of God; I trust in God’s unfailing love forever and ever” (NIV).

Olive trees are quite extraordinary. Their ability to withstand the change of seasons and still produce fruit despite all the unplanned elements leaves me awestruck. It can take nearly 10 years for these trees to produce their fruit, but their endurance and stamina are what separate them from the rest. 

Each tree will thrive and flourish in its own timeframe, just as each one of us will do. My soul was reminded that by clinging closely to the Creator, it is possible to walk in abundance with the Lord through each season. The truth is that our growth isn’t something that can be accelerated. The Lord was not distanced from me in that season but lovingly led me through a necessary process of perseverance, patience, and pruning that would one day bring good fruit in abundance.  Dig in deep. The Gardener is at work.

Dig Deeper

More of us experience this fatigue of shifting seasons than we like to admit. Would you dare to reach out to a trusted friend and share your burdens with them, as Christ has directed (Galatians 6:2)? This is where the beauty and gift of community is seen best. 

Prayer

Lord, make me like a seed buried deep in the earth, positioned to blossom and flourish with your love. Feed my soul with your truth and give me a kingdom perspective, knowing that you have good plans that will give me a hope and a future. In all the seasons I may walk through, let my life be a vibrant testament to Your love.

Daily Readings

Flower Illustration by Lan Truong | Bible verse illustration by Frieda Ruh | This article was originally titled “When Is It My Turn to Flourish?” in the April 2025 issue of Peer.