Wow, it has been quite a year. When I wrote the last post, I had no idea why it was so important to say goodbye to fear, but we are in a new year now and this conversation requires a different roast. Let’s take some time to enjoy one of my favorites, a blonde roast. According to Black Ink Coffee Company, “Blonde roast coffee is kind of what it sounds like, a lighter roasted coffee. Unlike its brunette counterparts, the dark and medium roasted coffees, blonde roast gives the coffee bean a chance to shine,”.
Today let’s sip some blonde roast, while we shine a light on two words that have shaped my journey in the first half of 2021.
GROW & GROWTH
When I was sitting in my devotional time at my table in 2020, I expressly asked the Lord for direction for 2021. He spoke to me so clearly, He said Grow and Growth. I was excited about the words and dug in a little further for clarity.
Grow defined:
(of a living thing) undergoes natural development by increasing in size and changing physically; progress to maturity.
Growth defined:
something that has grown or is growing.
As I sat at my table with tears in my eyes, I was so grateful for the opportunity that I was being given—the chance to grow. The chance to experience growing somewhere in maturity in my walk with the Lord Jesus Christ. As I looked at my life, I began to reflect on the many times where I chose not to grow or experience growth. I could see so clearly the times that I was trying to prove a point or when I chose not to develop or experience change. I allowed my ego, pride, and resolutions to lead my decisions. What did it get me? A stuck and stagnated mindset that kept me from sharing the beautiful journey of pruning. In this time of reflection, I sat at the table, grateful that the Lord was so kind to not only show me what I had done wrong, but He was faithful to also show me the way forward.
Now what I am about to say is a big sip.
In that moment, I had to choose to fully allow him to shape, mold, and tear down all that wasn’t like him. Even the hidden areas of my heart I didn’t consider. You see, pruning is a process that is selectively removing branches that will grow a plant to its full potential. Then the words from Jesus leaped from the page:
' “I am the true vine, and my Father is the vinedresser. Every branch in me that does not bear fruit he takes away, and every branch that does bear fruit he prunes, that it may bear more fruit. Already you are clean because of the word that I have spoken to you. Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me. I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing. If anyone does not abide in me he is thrown away like a branch and withers; and the branches are gathered, thrown into the fire, and burned. If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. By this my Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit and so prove to be my disciples. As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Abide in my love. '
John 15:1-9 ESV
Before we finish our last few sips together in this Coffee Cup Conversation today, I want to say Cheers! Cheers to pruning. Cheers to Growth. Cheers that with the help of the Lord, we will grow somewhere together.
