Flourishing 40

I recently turned 40. While sitting with my girlfriends, I was reminded that I am officially "Over the Hill."

Well, if on the other side of the hill is Heaven, I'll take it.

My family and I aren't big Spring Breakers. Working in a school, it seems that everyone is always going somewhere over spring break. Am I Jealous? yup.

This year, we joined the club and for my 40th we packed up the kids and jetted off to Hawaii. This was a bucket list trip for me. A chance to not only experience, what felt like, a tiny glimpse of Heaven, but to gain quality family time together. God was kind in allowing both.

The sunsets were a reflection of His creativity. The water was a reminder of His presence and the sand? A constant ever present reminder of His great faithfulness. Surrounded by the warm breeze of the swaying palm trees I was reminded of Psalm 92.

Psalm 92:12-15

But the godly will flourish like palm trees and grow strong like the cedars of Lebanon.

For they are transplanted to the Lord's own house. They flourish in the courts of our God.

Even in old age they will still produce fruit; they will remain vital and green

They will declare, "The Lord is just! He is my rock! There is no evil in him!"

Flourish like a palm tree? Was I flourishing in this new decade? What is flourishing anyway?

The word longevity seems to be the keyword of 2024. Take this supplement, drink this tea, fast and cleanse. Are these all ways to benefit your body as a temple of the Holy Spirit? Of course, but Scripture defines flourish in a different way; as a Palm tree.

Palm trees need consistent pruning. In fact, a palm tree that is not pruned becomes the perfect home for palm rats. Ask my grandma, she's been introduced in an unexpected way. Palm trees also are built to withstand strong storms by blowing with the wind not against it. Their root system? Not so deep. The amazing thing about the roots of the Palm tree is that while they grow out, more than deep, they are constantly being renewed by the water that hits them. Fresh roots every day.

Pruning is never easy, nor fun, but when God steps in to prune an area of your life, you flourish. (John 15:2) When the winds come, when life's storms arise, go with it instead of against it. Leaning in to the Father rather than pushing away. He's will steady you.. And what about that root system? Well, if you're anything like me, a little blonde never hurt the roots. Oh wait- sanctification. When we create space for fellowship with our creator our root system not only grows deep but wide. Scripture recognizes flourishing not as something we do, but what we become. What is that exactly? More like Christ.

40 is just a number. Old. No. But flourishing in the courts of my God? Yes please! That whatever number of years are left on this earth, I will "still produce fruit, remaining vital and green. Declaring The Lord is just, He is my rock and there is no evil in Him."