Discernment for the Changing Seasons | Week Four
Fruits and Blooms
Last week I discerned that it was not a great idea to finish this series the day after American Thanksgiving - especially since we were having 40 people over for pie! So, here is that last post today.
This fourth week focuses on the early signs of new growth that we can witness during the season of Spring. We’ve looked at the letting go that takes place in Autumn, the waiting of Winter, the new possibilities that begin to emerge in Spring, and now we turn to Summer, to the fruits and blooms that come out of discernment.
Some reflection questions and a Psalm are included in this post.
In addition, an under-30-minute reflection video, including fruits of decision-making and questions to ponder as we confirm a tentative decision, is available for Bless My Feet members.
I really appreciated hearing from some of you on our November 18th Zoom about what you’re discerning. Thank you for sharing of yourselves in that space!
Questions for Further Reflection
What are the fruits of your discernment process? Do you have a deeper sense of peace about your decision?
As you test your tentative decision, what are the fruits in your daily life - your relationships, interactions, moods, perspectives? Is your decision leading to good fruits?
Seeking further confirmation, is there something blooming inside you as you imagine this decision becoming your reality? Perhaps a joy and energy about the way forward, or an expansive sense of wellbeing flowering inside of you as you possibly move into the next chapter?
Do the fruits and blooms align with God’s vision of a world where love and mercy meet, where justice and peace kiss (Psalm 85)? Does this path of discernment lead you to participate in the greater good, a story larger than yourself?
Psalm
Psalm 85: “Let me hear what God the Lord will speak, for God will speak peace to the people, to the faithful, to those who turn to God in their hearts.”
“Love and Mercy” (Words: Kiran Young Wimberly paraphrase of Psalm 85, Tune: Lovely Molly, Scottish trad.) https://www.celticpsalms.com/portfolio/love-and-mercy-psalm-85/
For love and mercy shall evermore meet
And justice and peace shall greet with a kiss
From the ground shall spring kindness
Goodness will shine from the skies
And God will bring healing
And the people will sing
Useful References and Resources
Liebert, Elizabeth. The Way of Discernment: Spiritual Practices for Decision Making. Louisville, KY: Westminster John Knox Press, 2008.
Bieber, Nancy. Decision Making and Spiritual Discernment: The Sacred Art of Finding Your Way. Woodstock, VT: Skylight Paths, 2012.
If you’d like to have access to the additional weekly discernment content but don’t have the resources right now, please simply let me know and I’ll put you on the list.