Whatever you sow into daily is what you will reap. If you sow into busyness and distraction, then you will reap from that field. But what if you chose to step away and cultivate things that take time? What if you chose to step out of the walk of the world and chose a more simple way of life?
In doing so, I have zero regrets…except wishing we’d done this sooner.
My hope in writing these devotionals is that you will learn how to lean in and discover God’s best for you and your family. No, it doesn’t need to look like mine. We aren’t all created to fill the same space. But I do hope that as you continue to journey with me, you learn how to listen to God’s unique rhythm over your own life.
If by reading and praying with me every day, you begin to disconnect from unhealthy and unrealistic expectations of “them”…and tap into your authentic heart, then that is what I consider success.
Cultivate: 1. prepare and use (land) for crops or gardening. -break up (soil) in preparation for sowing or planting. -raise or grow (plants), especially on a large scale for commercial purposes. -grow or maintain in culture. 2. try to acquire or develop (a quality, sentiment, or skill. -try to win the friendship or favor of (someone). -apply oneself to improving or developing (one’s mind or manners).
Wow, the definition of cultivate is ripe with analogy. It’s actually unbelievably pertinent.
In this final half of the year, I hope that you will truly lean into cultivation. Our hearts need to be broken up and made ready for planting.
We all need to acquire and develop new skills. Actually, I have been really leaning into this facet of the word. My brain needs the healthiness that comes from creating new neuropathways that occur when learning new things. I find myself constantly looking around to see what I want to learn next.
Creativity is like breath to me. I need it all the time. No matter what I’m doing in a day, I do it better when I feel creative. I was born to create. My soul bursts with the desire. Doesn’t yours?
Holy Spirit is creativity. When we are filled with Holy Spirit, we can’t help but want to create and learn. When the Source of all things is churning within us, it drives us to find newness all around.
What are you cultivating?
When is the last time you learned a new skill?
No matter what season you are in, I guarantee you will find fullness when you incorporate learning. It is life.
Like a plant growing roots in the ground to drink in more of the water that it needs to grow and thrive…that’s what we are like when we commit to learn new things. Cultivate new talents.
Cultivate.
I encourage you to lean into this word today. Pray over it and ask God what He is desiring to cultivate within your heart.
Trust in the Lord and do good; live in the land and cultivate faithfulness. Psalm 37:3
365 Days in the Presence 