Growing through the dry season, rooted in God. 🌿🙏
At the start of the year, I chose Anchored as my guiding word for 2026, with each month’s focus word inspired by Psalm 1. But life had other ideas. Not one, but two curveballs came my way, reminding me that life doesn’t give us a heads-up; it simply happens.
We can have the best intentions, but sometimes life takes us in directions we never anticipated. And that’s when we’re reminded of the importance of keeping God at the centre of it all.
As I reflect on October’s word, Flourishing, I’m reminded that it isn’t about having life all figured out. It’s about staying rooted in God, drawing nourishment from Him, and continuing to grow even when life doesn’t go as expected.
Bible reading 📖 Psalm 1:3 | Romans 12:2
“They are like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither.” — Psalm 1:3 (NIV)
“Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” — Romans 12:2 (NIV)
Reflections 🙌
Following the heartbreaking loss of my nephew in June, I lost the spark for writing and photography. July, August and September passed without the reflections I had hoped to share. Oh, I did write 😔, just not as much as I wanted to, and picking up my camera felt like too much effort.
Grief has a way of changing our rhythms, quietening our voices and shifting our focus. Sometimes, even the things that once brought us joy feel beyond our reach.
Yet, looking back, I realise that even when I stopped taking photographs and writing too, I never stopped growing. I found other ways to use my time, talents and resources. Life continued, and so did the opportunities to serve, love and contribute in ways I hadn’t planned.
Flourishing is not about having a life free from pain, grief or disappointment. It is about learning to live and grow with God in the midst of it all.
The world often teaches us to put ourselves first, to focus on our own needs, protect our own interests and measure life by what we gain. But there is something deeply Christ-like about the call to forget ourselves—not by denying our pain or pretending our grief doesn’t exist, but by refusing to let it consume us.
When we turn our attention towards God, take an interest in the world around us and extend kindness to others, we begin to see beyond our own circumstances. There is still so much to discover, so much to learn, and so many lives we can touch through simple acts of love.
Romans 12:2 reminds us not to conform to the pattern of this world, but to be transformed by the renewing of our minds. This transformation changes how we see ourselves, our circumstances and the people around us. As God renews our minds and shapes our hearts, we learn to release what we cannot control, find peace in His presence and live with greater purpose.
Psalm 1 paints the picture of a tree planted by streams of water, bearing fruit in season. I love that reminder that fruit comes in season. A tree does not bear fruit every day, yet it remains planted, drawing nourishment from its source.
Likewise, there are seasons when we feel full of life and creativity, and others when we are simply holding on to God. Both are part of our journey. A quiet season does not mean we have stopped growing.
I’m slowly finding my way back to writing and photography, and I’m grateful. And I also recognise that flourishing has continued in other parts of my life, even when I wasn’t documenting it.
In spite of our pain and loss, we can still flourish.
Not because we are strong enough to overcome everything on our own, but because God remains our source, our sustainer and our peace.
Flourishing is learning to live without allowing grief to become our whole story. It is allowing God to renew our minds, soften our hearts and redirect our attention towards the beauty, opportunities and people He places in our lives.
We may not always understand our seasons, but we can remain anchored in the One who carries us through them.
And so, this October, I’m choosing to flourish as it is NOT simply about growing into who I want to be, rather it is about allowing God to transform me into who He calls me to be! Rooted in His Word, renewed in mind and spirit, and bearing fruit in His time.
Even when life hurts.
Even when the words don’t come.
Even when we have to find our way again.
We can still flourish, because God is always with and is at work in us. ⚓️🙏
To God be the glory always 🙏
Prayer 🙏
Heavenly Father, thank You for being our anchor through every season of life. When grief weighs heavily on our hearts and life doesn’t unfold as we expected, help us to remain rooted in You.
Renew our minds, transform our hearts and teach us to look beyond ourselves. Help us not to be consumed by our pain, but to find peace in Your presence and purpose in loving and serving others.
May we continue to grow, bear fruit in season and recognise Your goodness even in the midst of sorrow. Remind us that we do not have to have everything together to flourish. We simply need to remain close to You.
In our seasons of joy and our seasons of grief, may our lives reflect Your love.
In Jesus’ name, Amen. ❤️
