Growth is welcome here, Kim,

Spring is by far my favorite season! I cannot tell you how much I absolutely love the new green of spring—there is no color of green quite like it. I always feel lighter when the first flowers bloom with their bright colors against that fresh green backdrop. Pair that with longer days and warmer temperatures, and I am a happy camper—literally, I guess, since I live in an RV full time.

We have a red honeysuckle and some regular wild honeysuckle growing out here in the field. It amazes me how quickly they spiral upward and wind around a support. They will literally climb anything—a trellis, a windmill, a fence, or even a natural support like a tree or bush. No one tells them what to do, but they instinctively know they need support to grow. Occasionally, if you want them to grow in a particular direction, you have to gently tie them up with garden twine. The twine does not do the growing, but helps the vine stay connected to its support during a storm or gusty winds.

As humans, we need support systems to grow as well, but somehow it doesn't seem to come as naturally to us as it does to plants. We begin life supported by our parents or guardians, but eventually the message becomes:  

• Be independent.
• Work hard.
• Support yourself.
• Don't rely too much on others.

Family support is a wonderful gift, but life happens. People move. Relationships change. Loved ones pass away.

After writing this, I realize I have lived just about all of this.

But I have learned something:

Life is better with a trellis.

Trellises are not only functional, but beautiful. They can be simple or intricate, made of wood or wrought iron, standing quietly in the background while supporting something beautiful that grows upon them. Just as plants occasionally need a bit of twine to help guide their growth, we need people who help us stay connected through accountability, encouragement, healthy boundaries, and commitment.

Serving Trellis

When we are born, we rely on others to survive. As we grow, we are taught skills that allow us to become increasingly independent. It begins simply—learning to eat, dress ourselves, and care for our basic needs—but matures into using our gifts and abilities to work, serve others, and support those we love.

Yet somewhere along the way, many of us begin to believe we should be able to handle life on our own. Asking for help can feel uncomfortable. It requires vulnerability. It requires admitting we don't have all the answers. But God often provides teachers, pastors, mentors, friends, coworkers, and communities that help shape our growth. We have to be willing to receive the help God provides, especially when life gets difficult.

Stepping into something new can feel risky. Sometimes we get it right the first time. More often, we don't. Yet those moments often become our greatest teachers. They invite us to ask, "Why didn't this work?" and "What might I do differently next time?" They also remind us that we were never meant to climb alone.

As we grow, we eventually become part of someone else's support system. The encouragement we received becomes encouragement we offer. The wisdom we were given becomes wisdom we share.

It's a serving trellis.

Our roots remain the foundation of our lives, but growth requires support. We eventually reach a point where we can choose how we will grow, what supports us, and who we will serve.

Rely. Rise. Risk. Reach.

Winter was about becoming ready. Spring is about supporting growth and embracing new beginnings.

            Rely: Who, what, or where do you draw your strength and wisdom from?

            Rise: What is the first faithful step you can take right now?

            Risk: What is God calling you to step into, and who can walk alongside you in the process?

            Reach: Who are you serving and encouraging as you grow?

Looking Ahead:

Summer is a season of fruitfulness. Join me next week as we explore what it means to bear fruit, share the harvest, and enjoy the sweetness that comes from a life rooted, growing, and supported.

Let's Connect:

If you're ready to grow a healthier lifestyle in your spring season, I'd love to be part of your trellis. Schedule a Find Your Energy Discovery Session with me. If it feels a little risky and you'd like to learn more first, let's have a virtual coffee chat—or, if you're local, perhaps we can visit one of my new favorite local cafés, Pourly Grounded.

Spiritual Reflection:

He makes the whole body fit together perfectly. As each part does its own special work, it helps the other parts grow, so that the whole body is healthy and growing and full of love. Ephesians 4:16 NLT

May you see the beauty of your trellis as you climb, grateful for the occasional piece of garden twine and always reaching for the light.

Kim

Hope and Healing Lifestyle Coach

Hopeandhealinglifestyle.com

kim@hopeandhealinglifestyle.com