Week 23: Peace in Progress

Trusting the Growth You Cannot Yet See

This was an awesome week. I felt productive, energized, and grateful. One of the highlights was spending time in the garden. My flowers are finally beginning to emerge, and the intermittent rain has been working its quiet magic. Each day seems to reveal a little more growth, a little more color, and a little more promise. As I watched the garden this week, I realized that it was reflecting life itself. There are seasons when everything appears stagnant. Nothing seems to be happening. Progress feels slow. Results are not immediately visible.

Yet beneath the surface, growth is taking place. Roots are developing. Strength is forming. Potential is gathering. The bloom is coming.

The Gift of Patience: One of the greatest challenges in life is remaining patient while growth is occurring out of sight. We live in a world that celebrates immediate results. We want to see progress now. We want confirmation that our efforts are working. Nature reminds us otherwise.

A seed does not question its future because it cannot yet see the flower. It simply continues to grow. Louise Hay (1984) beautifully reminds us: Every thought we think is creating our future. This week, I became mindful of where I place my thoughts. If I focus only on what I do not yet see, discouragement can quickly take root. If I focus on what is developing, possibilities begin to flourish. Peace in Progress: The phrase that kept coming to me this week was: Peace in Progress. Not peace because everything is finished. Not peace because every goal has been achieved. Peace because growth is happening. Peace because I trust the process. Peace because I know that today's effort contributes to tomorrow's bloom. Marianne Williamson (1992) writes: When we let our own light shine, we unconsciously permit other people to do the same” (p. 190). Growth is not merely personal. When we remain faithful to our own journey, we encourage others to remain faithful to theirs. Staying Focused on the Outcome. I remind myself continually that I must stay focused on the outcome of my activities. The space between planting and blooming can feel discouraging. The space between effort and results can test our faith. The space between vision and manifestation can challenge our commitment. Yet that space is where resilience is built. Dr. Seuss reminds us: You have brains in your head. You have feet in your shoes. You can steer yourself any direction you choose” (Seuss, 1990, p. 2). That choice matters. I can choose frustration. Or I can choose faith. I can choose doubt. Or I can choose expectancy. The Garden's Lesson This week, the rain watered my flowers. The flowers reminded me to be patient. And patience reminded me to trust. Some things are growing even when they appear still.

Some dreams are developing even when there is no visible evidence. Some outcomes are already on their way. The bloom is simply not ready yet. This Week, I affirm: “I trust the process of growth. I remain focused on my vision and peaceful in my progress. What I am nurturing today will bloom in perfect time.” Growth is happening. The rain is falling. The roots are deepening. And the flowers are preparing to bloom.

Reflection Prompts

• Where in your life are you mistaking growth for stagnation?

• What outcome are you being called to trust more fully?

• How can you cultivate peace while waiting for your next bloom?

References

Hay, L. L. (1984). You can heal your life. Hay House.

Seuss. (1990). Oh, the places you'll go! Random House.

Williamson, M. (1992). A return to love. HarperCollins.