Growth is a funny thing. I’ve been feeling down. It’s been a struggle. Where to next? I want so badly to move forward, but there was no mistaking it: I was back in a tough place that I didn’t want to be in. A place full of doubt, mourning, and confusion. Why have I not branched out yet? When will I know I’m grown enough to take the next step? That’s when I went for a walk and saw a pear tree.
I brought my girls (our cocker spaniel pups, 15 years old) in the backyard with me for a little walk. 🐶There was a pear tree, where the pears were too perfect-looking to resist plucking. I grasped a few of the heavy fruits, so big that they weighed the branch down. There weren’t many bugs, thankfully. The fruit was firm. The thought crossed my mind, “How do I know which ones are ripe?” I got an immediate response when I came across a more resistant pear. The stem wouldn’t release from the branch.
“This one isn’t quite ready yet,” I thought. Growth has to take time. I immediately felt a surge of love and understanding. God trusts me. I guess I’m just not quite ripe yet. It’s okay to hold on a little while longer while I keep growing.
Persistence, Patience, and…pears?
Patience is a virtue. Prudence is not my greatest asset. My mom was one of the most patient human beings on earth–she was a special education elementary school teacher, and I admired her so very much. She had this way of giving you her undivided attention when you would speak with her, even though so many things would be going on at once. She had tremendous grace in juggling all the parts of life. Whatever she was working on, her priority was always you, the person speaking. She made you feel like you mattered.
The older I’ve gotten, the more I realize that whatever gene my mom had that kept her patient was not something I inherited. I fall short every day, but I try so much to be a kind spirit that cares for others. Although this may feel like a one-sided conversation, I am always keeping you, reader, in mind. I want you to know that you matter, and that your struggles are so very human.
We must all allow ourselves some time. If we’re not ripe,–I mean, ready–it’s okay. Just take it one second, one moment, one day at a time. Growth within yourself will happen. You may have to push through some feelings of discomfort, but only you and God know when you are ready. And sometimes, they don’t feel in sync. Hang in there a little while longer.
Some Topics for Discussion
Do you feel like you’re behind? Does it feel like no matter how much you want to move forward, you feel stuck? Do you also have cute pups in your life that keep you grounded? I’d like to know about it! Leave a comment below ⬇️
A Lil’ Disclaimer about comments:
This blog is meant to be a springboard for discussions on some tough topics. It’s so easy to feel alone, but you’re not!
That hurt you feel? Someone knows it, too.
It doesn’t mean your hurt is less important. It means that you’ve got someone out there that is bound to understand. At least a little.
Things can get tricky. Not all people are kind. But most are just trying to survive.
It’s important to honor the nuances in what someone else is going through, too. Your experience is your own.
It’s complicated, yes.
I’m happy to encourage others to share their stories. Like on any other platform, vulnerability comes with risks. Don’t share unless you feel comfortable. You can count on me in the meantime to put it all out there. 😅
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