Warning Signs and Nature as Spiritual Guides

Last Sunday, Rev. Larry Dove listed examples of times when he has found himself to be impatient.. and I am sure many of us could relate. 

Recently, I (Denia, here) have been utilizing uncomfortable states that I experience as “warning signals.” Among these warnings, impatience exists. They “signal” me to witness, accept, and act from a place of nonjudgement, mercy, grace, and love. 

I often parallel my personal and individual warning signs to that of warning lights in a car. As it relates to vehicles, typically, orange and yellow warning lights denote that it needs to be serviced or repaired soon. 

For me, attending to the “warning lights” looks like: me advocating my boundaries and slowing down in order to prioritize processing and healing. And this is where patience comes in [with myself]. I get impatient and want to just be healed, as if healing operated like a switch! We all know it does not work that way… Cue frustration. 

Colossians 3:12 is a great reminder to be intentional about how you tend to yourself. Our impatience does not define us and it certainly is not who we are. It is an alert. A reminder. An opportunity to U-turn. 

How empowering to be able to choose. In those moments we can choose to focus on Jesus, we can choose love. 

'... holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. '

Colossians 3:12 (NIV)

My beloved, I invite you to spend time outdoors. For a minute or two. 

“Through nature, we learn that growth and transformation cannot be rushed: they require time, nurturing and perseverance. In a fast-paced world, nature reminds us to be patient with ourselves and others, allowing things to unfold naturally and gracefully.” (Ghatak, 2023). 

-Denia Bradshaw

References

Ghatak, S. (2023, July 4). Re: The lessons we learn: Nature's teachings - discovering wisdom in the natural world. LinkedIn. https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/lessons-we-learn-natures-teachings-discovering-wisdom-santanu-ghatak/