Planting Season

Committing to grow in any area of your life involves hard work and dedication

Growth isn’t always linear; it isn’t always easy; and sometimes, growing means sticking with something during a hard season. We’re focusing on growth and renewal over the next few months here at The Bookery, and we all sometimes need a reminder that committing to grow in any area of your life involves a bit of hard work and a lot of dedication.

So let’s take a look at a few areas of our lives and think about what growth might look like for you in each area.

Spiritual

As Christians, we know that growing in our faith means leaning into the Holy Spirit and trusting him to teach, strengthen, encourage and guide you. But that isn’t necessarily a passive process. Spiritual disciplines exist for a reason—and they can be helpful tools in pursuing God and seeking to live a life that honors him. Some questions to consider:

• Am I spending time in God’s Word and allowing the Holy Spirit space to work?

• What spiritual disciplines can I purposefully practice this week to focus my mind and heart on God? Here’s an article to help with that.

• Are there any areas in my spiritual life where I’m just going through the motions? How can I open my heart and allow God to work in those areas?

Physical

Growing physically doesn’t necessarily mean exercising more or harder, but it might. Many people have disordered habits around eating and exercise, and we are not physicians or licensed counselors at The Bookery, so we simply acknowledge that we don’t have all the right answers when it comes to being physically healthy. Please understand that there are many issues involving physical health that you may need to consult a doctor or therapist to live at your healthiest. That said, taking care of yourself and making healthy choices is important. Here are a few questions to ponder if you’re trying to grow in the area of physical health:

• Am I talking over my concerns with a physician or clinician who is trained to offer advice or a plan of action?

• Am I exercising too much or too little? What steps can I take this week to achieve more of a balanced approach in this area?

• There are countless ideas about how best to eat these days, many of which focus on denial and avoiding entire food groups. Am I choosing a balanced eating plan with lots of veggies, fruits and lean proteins?

• How can I be more grateful to the gifts God has given me: mobility, food to enjoy, friends and family to enjoy them with?

• How can I intentionally focus on how God has provided for me in this area?

• How can I choose to honor God with the choices I make about my body?

Relational

Please hear this: we were all made for community, introverts and extroverts alike. While our introvert friends may need time to quietly recharge away from others, that doesn’t mean they don’t like people or enjoy large gatherings. It just means we’re all different—and we all need to feel connected with others. So, whether you’re an introvert or an extrovert (or an Enneagram 7 or a 2), married or single, here are a few questions to ask as you think about growing relationally:

• Are there people in my life I want to get to know better? What steps can I take this week to reach out? Growing may involve challenging yourself to take the first step, which isn’t the easiest for all of us.

• Are there any relationships in my life where I need to set boundaries for my own emotional health? (Boundaries are not inherently mean or unkind; they are loving limits you set in your relationships. You are called to love people, but you aren’t called to be a doormat.)

• Sometimes in seasons of stress, grief, sin or sorrow, we can respond by pulling away from others, including our church families or our loved ones. Are there any people in your life who are doing this right now? How can you proactively reach out?

• Maybe you’re the one who is pulling away from others. If the Holy Spirit makes you aware of this, what are some specific ways you will reach out to Christian friends or family to make them aware of your situation and need for support?

• For relationships to grow and develop, you have to nurture them. Are there any important relationships in your life that you’re neglecting? What steps will you take today to reach out?

Financial

Scripture tells us that the love of money (not money itself) is the root of all evil. Money is necessary in this world, but it can all too easily become an idol if we’re not careful. Rather than focusing on earning more money, we hope that you’ll think about financial growth as learning to trust God to direct your money. Ask yourself:

• What is my attitude toward money? Do I think of it as my money to do what I want or am I a steward of the provision God has given me?

• How would a stewardship mentality change the way I spend my money?

• How do I keep track of what I spend?

• Am I giving generously of my money? Time? Talents?

• Is my life marked by generosity or stinginess?

• What does my attitude toward finances teach others about God and his ability to provide?

• What intentional steps can I take this week to trust God more with the financial means he has provided?