How do you know when you are trusting God’s timing and not your own? If hindsight were equal to foresight, the answer might come easily. But if I could see the future, there would be no need for faith—no need to rely on God. This Paradoxical Life often rattles my thinking and leaves me confused. Yet, deep down, I believe there is a higher calling woven into every experience. My desire is to align my gifts, talents, and treasures with His purpose. And here’s what I’ve learned: flourishing doesn’t happen in isolation. True flourishing happens together—in community—whether that community is family, friends, colleagues, teammates, or simply those who share a common interest in life.
More than six years ago, I published my first blog post without any certainty of where it might lead. I only knew I had a deep-seated need to write about all that I was learning on this pilgrimage: equipping college students—especially athletes—to thrive in college and beyond. The seed planted during my dissertation research seemed to need continual watering. Since then, generational shifts, a global pandemic, a move to a new institution, and countless life experiences have shaped this journey. Through it all, one truth keeps surfacing:
A generation flourishes when people plant trees under which they will never sit.
That conviction led me to explore the Five Habits of a Flourishing Life. For a long time, it felt like a solo journey. My early attempts to spark dialogue about helping college students flourish beyond the classroom met with resistance. Without guidance, I floundered, unaware of the incredible work already happening across the country parallel to my own interests above and beyond the physical dimension of wellness. But then, Gradually Then Suddenly—through research, persistence, and even rejection of proposals and curriculum ideas; doors began to open. I discovered several Christian organizations, institutions, and individuals committed to the same mission. The number of centers, institutes and coalitions collaborating to help others flourish is encouraging. It makes me wonder: What could happen if people of faith truly joined forces to Flourish Together—to examine how all ten dimensions of wellnesscontribute to a person’s well-being?
Our culture is desperately in need of Emerging Generations, emerging leaders who understand the importance, for those made in God’s image, to cultivate healthy habits beyond the physical dimension of wellness. Habits that nurture the whole person: personally, professionally, and spiritually. For those of us in positions of influence–where we can shape rhythms, systems, and programs that transform lives—this is our calling. Flourishing Together cannot be passive. It must be intentional. It must be communal.
So, I invite you: browse through my posts and publications. Seek out other voices exploring what it means to embrace the flourishing of others. Then, craft a definition that challenges your community to move forward with God’s blessing—to help the next generation truly Flourish at Life. I believe an intentional, collective approach will allow many of us to Flourish Together.
What initiatives or programs have you seen that encourage others to Flourish at Life? Please share them in the comments below. Our work is far from finished. There is much to accomplish—but it will only happen if we illuminate how God is already working around the world to help us glorify Him and enjoy Him forever.
Reference:
Flourishing @ Life 