Nurturing

By Pastor Paul Gauche

Today’s Word ‘Nurturing’ as in… nurturing is more than simply providing nourishment. To nurture is to sustain life.

The ongoing work of the Thriv’ëra Initiative is to move with thoughtful purpose toward a deepened sense of identity—that we are spirited, creative, and connected people, called to be present, grateful, generous, and missional with our lives. Living with this intention each day provides a framework for bringing some good to each moment, something better to each day, and our best to each other as we encounter the world around us. When we explore what it means to be “connected to one another,” we quickly discover that our attitudes, values, and beliefs inform our perspectives, behaviors, and interactions. It’s like dropping a stone into a pond and watching the ripples move in ever-widening circles to the shoreline. Nurture happens along the way.

The guiding narrative for the rhythm of connection reminds us that as image-bearers of God, we are connected human beings called and equipped to explore ways of integrating into healthy, life-giving relationships with others. We thrive as connected people by nurturing healthy relationships, practicing intentional acts of kindness, and showing hospitality to create trust and build respect that sustains the community.

To nurture is to nourish. Nourishing provides ‘relational nutrients’ that help everyone thrive. When we provide food for someone, we provide the necessary nutrients to sustain life. But nurturing occurs when we acknowledge that the Spirit animates us to explore our creative impulses to enrich our relationships. We can then be present to what each moment teaches us about practicing gratitude, which sets us loose to live open-handedly and open-heartedly. We then can embrace a vision of life and aliveness by creating momentums of healing and unity and pursuing movements of hope and wholeness for all people.

Thriving Reflections:

++ Bring to mind someone who is nurturing. Describe what it is that they do and how it impacts you.

++ How does the way you were nurtured inform how you nurture others?

++ How does nurturing others in your life bring you a deepened sense of thriving?

#100days50words

#Thriv’ëra

Paul Gauche is the Pastor of Life Transitions at Prince of Peace. His posts are part of his #100days50words project, where he blogs about a different word each week. You can follow his project on Instagram (@pgauche) or his blog, Thriving Rhythms.