How to Nurture Growth in Yourself and Others to Foster Lasting Transformation

When babies are growing in their first year, we care for them in a way that is gentle and loving. We don't yell at them and force them to grow faster. No, instead we nurture them. We handle them with care. We wait patiently until they are ready to make their next move. We show excitement when they are hitting milestones like walking or eating for the first time. We understand that this is part of the process of a child’s developmental stages and we give them space to grow slowly at their own pace.

As adults, when did when did we become so critical and judgmental of ourselves and others?

Why have we lost that same gentleness and care for others?

Have we become so jaded by the world that we don’t know how to be kind to ourselves?

Why do we judge people when they take longer to grow as adults?

Why can't we nurture and care for them with the same gentleness as we do babies?

These are the questions that I asked myself as I was thinking about my growth, particularly in my career. I have this incredible and beautiful dream of being a full-time business owner. I hope to open a creative studio in the Lord’s timing.

This process for me has not been an overnight success. I have struggled for many years, mostly financially and mentally, as I navigate the nuances of being a first-time business owner. I didn’t grow up having the same opportunities that others may have. I had no prior experience or knowledge of business with the exception of selling chocolates to fundraise as a child. I had to learn everything as I went. In all honesty, I spent my first few years of beginning this endeavor healing from trauma and figuring out who I was. I don’t have a typical business venture story.

It was not until last year that the Lord asked me to take this seriously and learn more about business. I received a certification in Business Administration/Small Business Management and another in Marketing. In this time, I have learned so much and I am continuing to grow my skills as an artist and entrepreneur.

I still believe that I have a lot to learn and God is always transforming my character. Yet, with this slow journey, I found myself in a state of comparison with other businesses that were successful. It was difficult to come to terms with that I was growing but slower than others. One can think about implementing specific strategies, having more money etc but if it’s not God’s timing for something to happen, then it won’t. It’s really that’s simple.

I had to come to a place of surrender with the Lord. I laid down all of my burdens, fears, insecurities, thoughts of comparison, and dreams of a successful business. It was not easy, and I am by no means giving up, but I knew that I needed to let go and allow God to move at His pace instead of mine. I needed to learn to trust that if He hasn’t given me what I desire yet, that means He has a perfect plan for my life that I will be ready to receive in due time. He knows and loves me and this ministry. He desires to see me flourish. But I need to be patient with my own journey.

Although we are not children and there are new expectations as adults that we should adhere to. However, I look at how my niece grows with such joy and is not afraid of taking risks because she is surrounded by a loving and nurturing environment. Never once have we said anything negative about her growth. We make sure that we speak life into her and the results speak for herself. She is a loving, intelligent, and special little girl who has so much potential.

Taking this into consideration, as adults, I would love for us to create loving and nurturing environments that aren't based on judgment, criticism, or unattainable expectations. I hope to see a world where people are championed for the small risks and accomplishments they achieve along the journey. I pray that we can encourage one another to keep going and not push each other down to elevate ourselves.

Growing in a loving and nurturing environment can foster deep relationships that allow people to thrive in success when they feel safe to take risks, fail, take the wrong path, and grow at their own pace, not one set before them by societal standards and human pressures.

What would it look like if there was no fear of man, people pleasing, abuse, condemnation, or other things that hinder us from walking in the fullness of who God created us to be?

We can be better to one another and help each other grow like a beautiful, delicate flower. We can encourage one another instead of making each other feel inadequate by expecting one another to meet standards we never set for ourselves.

God has a unique and beautiful plan for each of our lives. We don’t have to be afraid of the future or compare ourselves to others. In the kingdom of God, we can grow slowly and walk in step with Jesus.

If you are feeling insecure about where you are on your journey, email me at sarahi@createdtobelovedart.com I would love to walk with you.