Winter Time is for Sprucing: Embrace Growth and Renewal
Winter Time is for Sprucing: Preparing for Your Next Season of Growth
As winter blankets the world in quiet and cold, it’s easy to look at the bare trees and feel a sense of emptiness. The once vibrant leaves have fallen, leaving branches exposed to the elements. Yet, there is beauty in this season of rest and renewal. Winter is not a time of death but of preparation—a season for sprucing and nurturing, ensuring growth and vitality when spring returns. Ecclesiastes 3:1 reads: "To everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven."
Much like the trees, our lives go through seasons. Winter is the perfect time to reflect, refine, and prepare for the abundance of spring. It’s an opportunity to embrace stillness and do the inner work necessary to thrive in the next chapter. Here are a few ways we can make the most of this season:
1. Prune Away What No Longer Serves You
In the natural world, winter is the time when gardeners prune trees and shrubs, removing dead branches to promote healthy growth. Similarly, this is our time to evaluate areas of life that may be holding us back. Whether it’s a habit, mindset, or even a relationship, take stock of what no longer aligns with your values and goals. Letting go creates space for new opportunities and blessings.
2. Deepen Your Roots
During winter, trees focus their energy underground, strengthening their root systems. We, too, can use this time to go deeper in our faith, relationships, and self-awareness. Spend time in prayer, study scripture, or journal your thoughts. Strengthening your spiritual and emotional foundation will prepare you to flourish when the season changes.
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Join in one of my upcoming Women’s Bible Studies starting in February. We have options for online and in-person gatherings. I encourage you to connect as we dive into a Bible study from The Daily Grace Co., Growing in Grace. Click here to order your copy today and follow along with us.
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3. Embrace Rest and Renewal
Winter is nature’s way of reminding us that rest is essential. Just as the trees conserve energy during these months, we can use this time to recharge. Allow yourself the grace to slow down and prioritize self-care. Rest isn’t laziness; it’s a vital part of growth.
Every Sunday, I take intentional time to find rest. I make it a priority to show up at my church to worship. I also carve out quiet time in the afternoon by either resting on the couch, watching a movie, reading a book, or simply closing my eyes. On weekends with the kids, we wind down with a pizza and movie night, savoring extra rest before the busy week begins.
4. Dream and Plan for the Future
Though the trees appear dormant, they are preparing for the burst of life that spring will bring. Use this time to envision what you want your next season to look like. Set goals, make plans, and ask God for guidance as you dream big. The effort you put into planning now will set you up for success when the time comes to act.
This winter, I joined Kingdom Alliance so that, once spring comes, I can be outside more with my kids while being prepared for a summer filled with memories and fun. I created an opportunity to grow during the winter months—saving, earning an income, and building a lifestyle where I can spend more time with my kids instead of being tied to a 40+ hour workweek inside an office.
5. Trust the Process
Winter can feel long and lonely, but it’s a necessary part of the cycle. Trust that God is working in your life, even when you can’t see the results yet. Romans 8:28 reminds us: "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose." Just as the trees will bloom again, you, too, will experience renewal and growth in due time.
When spring arrives, the trees will bud, and the world will come alive with color and energy. By using this winter season wisely, you’ll be ready to step into your own season of flourishing. Take this time to prune, root, rest, plan, and trust. Soon enough, you’ll see the fruit of your efforts, just as the trees will bear leaves and blossoms once more.
This winter, let’s commit to the sprucing process. With God’s guidance and our intentional efforts, we can emerge from this season stronger, more vibrant, and ready to shine in all the beauty He has planned for us.
If you are looking for an opportunity to spruce up your personal and professional leadership skills, I encourage you to join the Radiant Leadership Academy through Kingdom Alliance. There are a few spots still available for their February class. This is a perfect time to get connected with other faith-fueled women and grow in your faith personally and professionally as you step into the leader God has called you to be.
I hope this blog was encouraging to you. If you feel you need an extra push or guidance on how to start growing or need direction, schedule a free introductory call with me. I’d love to chat about your goals for the year and how we can support each other!