Growth in Hard Places
It’s hard to believe we’re in the second quarter of 2026. Time really does fly. I know I’ve been away from blogging for a bit—2025 wasn’t the easiest year for me. I was navigating some health challenges, along with a busy season at work and family concerns, and needed that time to step back, regroup, and find balance again. I am grateful to be doing better now.
One of the things 2025 taught me was that growth occurs in hard places. During one of my daily walks, I took the picture you see in this blog post. It’s a small plant or weed growing through not only a crack in the sidewalk, but through the sidewalk itself. I saw this and immediately thought of my 2025! Regardless of what I faced during the health challenges, family concerns, and busy work season, I came through it by God’s grace. I came through it having grown on the other side!
Although I can consider myself to be stronger because of my 2025 experiences, I did learn more about grace for myself and for others. I discovered I tend to give myself less grace than I would someone else. Even though health challenges included where I couldn’t run for months upon months (battling plantar fasciitis), I realized I would have encouraged others through it all; but I had to get to the point where I did this for myself. All I wanted to do was run like I did in the past. This would, however, take time and many visits to the podiatrist, along with walking rather than running! I had to start over again and am still in the rebuilding phase of my fitness and running journeys.
But this is okay! It’s alright because I have and continue to grow through the hard places of life. There are ups and downs. When these occur, I remind myself of the plant in the sidewalk. Growing in the midst of what its facing in its environment and surroundings.
It’s powerful!
Despite my challenging 2025, as with previous years, I’ve chosen a word and an Anchor Verse for 2026! My word is LIVE and my Anchor Verse is:
“The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.” -John 10:10 (NKJV)
Life is meant to be lived and enjoyed. Jesus died for us to have an abundant life. The challenges may come, but there’s growth and blessings on the other side of the challenges. We can’t stay in the midst of the challenges and miss what life is bringing to us.
I’ve grown and continue to grow through hard places. I’m the plant that’s striving in the toughest of places! Still living in abundance in the present and looking towards the future.
Until next time.
Blessings,
© Lisi P, 2026
