This is a tree from the neighborhood of my childhood, adolescence, and adulthood. It’s seen me as a young girl riding bikes with my best friend and playing on its playground. It’s watched me as a teen and young adult through multiple romantic relationships and for many years as a full grown woman.

What I’ve always loved about this neighborhood is the beautiful trees. They’ve seen me grow into who I am today; they’ve seen me at my lowest. Nature is patient; nature will patiently wait for you to grow into who God created you to be and keep existing in beauty and joy all the while. To be as patient as a tree is to stay planted firmly where you are, in your purpose, weathering all storms, and adapting to every situation.

God has been working in me lately. I went through a bit of a health scare recently, one that had the potential to cause me great anxiety, frustration, and distract me from continuing in my purpose. Sometimes God allows us to go through things to teach us something.

God taught me something. There’s joy to be had in the season of waiting; there’s joy to be had in our trials. When I received the good news from my test results, I of course felt immense relief. The ironic thing is though, nothing changed. Nothing changed because I continued living my life in the waiting. I continued creating; I continued worshipping; I continued to cling to every moment that brought me joy. I continued waking up, making my bed, and I continued taking care of myself.

I say all of this to say, remember to be patient with yourself; be patient with life. Live for now, even if now looks like a period of waiting or even despair. Cling to joy; fight for joy. And just like the tree, wait patiently in hope, in anticipation, in joy for what God is going to do.