Circle of Grace

We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair;

Persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed;

(2 Corinthians 4:8-9)

This grape tree has weathered several hurricanes, Hurricane Irma of 2017 being the last.  We thought she was a goner but we decided not to discard her.  She still had roots imbedded in the soil.  There was a chance that she could bounce back from the ravages of the storms. And we were right.  As evidenced by her fruit, which are sweet by the way, she still has much to give.   

Lessons

Two personal truths that I hold dear.

1. It does not matter how broken something or someone is, if you can still find value in the pieces, maybe it’s worth it to rework or repurpose those pieces into something that can be appreciated or used. Not because something is broken, means that it should be automatically thrown away.
2. No matter what comes your way to buffet, destabilise or uproot you, make sure that your roots are anchored deep in the Rock, Christ Jesus.  All you need is a little nurturing (time in the Word, regular communication with God, encouragement of and fellowship with good friends) and you will more than survive.  You will thrive.

As you thrive here are a few things that you can do.

• Acknowledge and accept who you are daily as life changes you as you age
• Engage in self-care
• Do your personal work on a daily basis. No one else can do that for you 
• Disengage yourself from things and people that are destructive
• Align yourself with those that support your dreams, your purpose and your destiny
• Use life-lessons as stepping stones to where you are going. No experience is wasted
• Focus on and never lose sight of your goals
• Keep crawling/walking/running towards the prize

Life is a marathon, not a sprint. So I admonish you as Jesus did his disciples in Matthew 24:13

But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved.