As I sat on my deck one cool morning, I noticed a bloom on my dogwood tree. At first, I thought it was a fluke, a piece of white paper stuck in the branches, or my eyes playing tricks. But on closer inspection, I noticed several dogwood flowers scattered around the tree. I was surprised, because this tree blooms in spring, never fall.
Curiosity got the best of me. I searched online for answers and discovered dogwoods bloom in the fall after enduring a hot summer, followed by copious rainfall. Our weather pattern this year certainly fits.
After reading this explanation for my fall-blooming tree, my mind swirled to the human scenario of this manifestation, times when we grow in the face of hardship, life stresses, and grief.
Following are reflections on blooming post-stress:
Eustress
The definition of eustress is a positive form of stress that motivates, energizes, promotes growth, and enhances performance. Eustress results from challenging, yet manageable situations, promoting personal growth.
Honestly, I’ve never viewed stress as positive, and, at the time, challenges hardly ever seem manageable. Usually, I’m just ready for stressful situations to end instead of looking for any positives resulting from stress. Yet, it is in times of stress, hardship, and challenge that we learn and grow.
Post-traumatic Growth
Often, when we hear the term “post-traumatic,” it conjures visions of war-weary veterans, who spiraled into addiction or homelessness, and failed to reassimilate well into society. But many others deal with the effects of various kinds of trauma.
While we hear negative post-trauma stories, we rarely get a glimpse of post-traumatic growth, yet it exists.
It took a while for me to realize the full extent of the trauma I experienced the day I unexpectedly found Jim’s lifeless body. The fallout from that day dribbled out over the course of weeks, months, and over a year. I still have days when the shock returns and I can hardly string thoughts together. But in the aftermath of that trauma, I made the decision to grow in faith, trust, and hope.
Life Lessons from Nature
Nature teaches us so much. When I look at the blooms sprinkled across the branches of my fall-blooming dogwood tree, I see resilience. Those blooms are a symbol of thriving despite adversity. Likewise, just as plants adapt to stressful conditions, when we make it through tough life seasons, the byproduct is lessons learns and the ability to “bloom” in unexpected ways.
Resilience Despite Adversity
How do you handle adversity? Do you complain, rant about unfairness, and turn inward? Or do you look for the big picture and life lessons?
Resilience in the face of adversity involves hope, far-reaching perspective, and forward motion. Without spiritual roots that reach deep into God-given resources, blooming in times of hardship isn’t possible.
Although you may not be experiencing stress, trauma, or difficulty now, they may not be far off. This statement is not intended to discourage, but encourage spiritual stockpiling for a time when seasons change. Like an athlete in training, strengthen yourself spiritually now for a time when life pressures are great.
Adversity is an opportunity for God’s love and faithfulness to shine.
“We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance. And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation. And this hope will not lead to disappointment. For we know how dearly God loves us, because he has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love” (Romans 5:3-5 NLT).
©CandyArrington
Candy Arrington is an award-winning writer, blogger, and speaker. She often writes on tough topics with a focus on moving through, and beyond, difficult life circumstances. Candy has written hundreds of articles, stories, and devotions published by numerous outlets including: Inspiration.org, Arisedaily.com, CBN.com, Healthgrades.com, Care.com, Focus on the Family, NextAvenue.org, CountryLiving.com, and Writer’s Digest. Candy’s books include Life on Pause: Learning to Wait Well (Bold Vision Books), When Your Aging Parent Needs Care (Harvest House), and AFTERSHOCK: Help, Hope, and Healing in the Wake of Suicide (B&H Publishing Group).
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