Thrive

If this picture isn’t the essence of what it means to thrive I don’t know what is.  Years ago, this bougainvillea was planted in my parent’s back yard as a tiny little plant.  Today, it has taken over almost the whole back wall of their yard.  It is thriving to say the least.  And it’s so beautiful.  My sister (pictured here) was gathering some blossoms to use in a flower arrangement. When I envision thriving, this is pretty much what I think of.

Some synonyms for thrive are “flourish,” “prosper,” “bloom,” “blossom,” “advance,” and “succeed.”  Part of the definition of thrive is to “grow or develop well or vigorously.”  Boy, do I want these words to describe my life!  I mean who doesn’t want to prosper, succeed, flourish, do well, and be vigorous? I guess the question of the day is “How do I do this?  How do I thrive?”

I don’t think there is any magical formula, and there are many roads to success.  However, I do think there is one important, fundamental, key factor in being able to truly thrive.  The Psalmist got it right when he penned Psalm 1:1-4 (emphasis mine)

How blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked,
Nor stand in the path of sinners,
Nor sit in the seat of scoffers!
² But his delight is in the law of the Lord,
And in His law he meditates day and night.
³ He will be like a tree firmly planted by streams of water,
Which yields its fruit in its season
And its leaf does not wither;
And in whatever he does, he prospers.

Look at all those references to thriving!  I love it!  Now if you look closely, we will see what the secret to thriving is: delighting in and meditating on the Word of God. It doesn’t say attend a workshop, work crazy hours, neglect your family, read a self-help book, etc…  I am by no means opposed to a good workshop or book, but we would be remiss to think that we can achieve true success in our own strength. So, my plan to achieve success in life – whether that’s being a good mom, a loving wife, an influential teacher, a successful Compassionate Entrepreneur, a fit/healthy woman, an interesting blogger (ha) –  is to thrust myself into God’s Word.  Delight in it.  Meditate on it.  Awaken to it.  Inhale it!  I don’t just want to be mediocre.  If I’m going to put energy into doing something, I want it to be good.  Anything that’s worth doing is worth doing well, right?

I feel like I should also note here, that we need to be careful about what we decide to put our energy to.  (I’m totally speaking to myself here!) I like to be busy.  I like projects and the sense of accomplishment they bring.  However, I can very easily find myself with my hand in too many jars and my head wearing too many hats.  I have learned that before undertaking a new project or role I have to spend time with the Lord seeking His direction first.  God will bless us when we walk in obedience to His Word and His voice.  I will leave you with this final thought from Philippians 2:13

for it is God who is at work in you, both to will and to work for His good pleasure.

Never forget that your success is not really yours.  It’s God’s.  He is the giver and sustainer of life.  Apart from Him we can accomplish nothing of eternal value. I don’t know about you, but I plan to plant my roots deep into my Savior who is my source of all good things.