embracing Perpetual Springtime: reflections on life, love, and growth

Guard your heart above all else, for it determines the course of your life. Proverbs 4:23 NLT

The Passion Translation of this Bible verse explains that out of our hearts flow the seasons of life. It means our hearts, not our ages or circumstances, shape the seasons of our lives. We can live in perpetual springtime if our hearts are tender to God. How awesome is that?

Springtime, for me, looks like a lot of things. As natural as the sun's early arrival and late departure become after being accustomed to the Winter's short days and seemingly long nights, I become more like myself in the early weeks of Spring. Just as God created the natural world to be renewed and reborn in the Spring, it's as if He has also wired us to experience a sense of renewal or transformation during this season.

"Keep only things that speak to your heart. Then take the plunge and discard the rest."

- Marie Kondo

For those unfamiliar with Marie Kondo, she is a Japanese organizing consultant whose approach to tidying up emphasizes the importance of keeping only items that "spark joy" and discarding or donating everything else.

I Marie Kondo'd the heck out of my mental mess. I tossed aside the clutter of my limiting beliefs, and I have been actively keeping only the affirmations of God in mind. Post-wedding, I was ready to focus on who I wanted to be as a newly married woman—a new me. After spending a whole year planning for my wedding, there wasn't much room to focus on much else.

One thing about me, I am a dreamer. Now that I am free of wedding planning responsibilities, I've enjoyed having the freedom to dream again. But this new me has transformed the act of dreaming into the action of doing. Life became more real, knowing I no longer do it alone. My dreams will always have an impact on my marriage. But being partnered up feels like God is leading the way and encouraging us to use the buddy system as we walk through this life together, lol.

Yeah, they say in marriage, two become one, but simultaneously one became two. While we have been united as one entity, I have not lost sight that we remain separate individuals within this entity. So, yes, I'm turning 30 soon, and yes, I'm a wife now. The invisible weight of these two circumstances seemed heavy to grasp when considering the timing of pursuing a purposeful career in writing. But what was I supposed to do? Wait? Lol.

As I reflect on the changing seasons of life, I'm reminded that regardless of your marital status, the condition of our hearts (our thoughts, our wills, our discernment, and our affections) is what truly matters. It's what shapes the seasons of our lives. By guarding our hearts and keeping them tender toward God, we can experience perpetual springtime. This means we can let go of limiting beliefs, focus on our dreams, and pursue our purpose, regardless of our circumstances.

Just as the natural world is renewed and reborn in the Spring, we too can experience renewal and transformation. So, be mindful of the state of your hearts and strive to keep them tender toward God to experience the beauty of perpetual springtime in your lives.

As for me and this new chapter of my life as a married woman and aspiring writer, I am reminded that although there may be challenges, I am not alone. With God leading the way and my boo by my side, I can confidently pursue my dreams and continue to grow and transform in all areas of my life. Love that for me!

stay tender-hearted,