I received a review copy of this book; all opinions expressed are mine.

The book Flourish: Finding Purpose in the Unknown Seasons of Life by Grace Wabuke Klien (Worthy Publishing), seems really appropriate to read this time of year as we approach the change of seasons when summer turns into fall. And there are a lot of lessons and wisdom we can learn from nature about the changing seasons, which Klein includes in her book.

Flourish is about flourishing in every season of life. And Klein explains that each season of our lives has a divine purpose. Here’s how she defines the “seasons of life” in Flourish:

• FALL is a time of release—a necessary season of letting go of offenses, unhealthy relationships, hurts, bad habits, toxic friendships, pride, unforgiveness, and other heart issues before we can ever move on to the next season.
• WINTER is a time of unexpected challenges and unknown futures—yet lessons learned in life’s storms are deep and full of growth to shape us and make us stronger.
• SPRING is a time of new things that require us to be open to new experiences, people, ideas, and perspectives—stepping out into the unknown and uncomfortable.
• SUMMER is a time when everything is flourishing—we clearly see how each season cultivated a deeper level of faith and spiritual muscles, developing our character and perseverance.

Klein also openly shares about her own personal journey and how she has grown stronger and wiser through different seasons, offering hope and encouragement to readers. Her writing style is easy to read and her life examples are relatable and personal, like a friend sharing her heart with you. Here are some quotes from her book that I thought were helpful insights:

Fall represents a season of letting go…. We can see this in the life cycle of trees…. God designed nature that way. Leaves fall off deciduous trees so the tree can survive the winter. If the leaves were to remain on the tree through the winter, the tree would die…. Because the tree releases its leaves, the tree survives the winter, and there’s room for new growth in the spring…. Letting go is not easy or pleasant, but we need to embrace the process in order to live. (p24, 25, 26)

You need to be okay with letting go of the familiar and comfortable in order to embrace the new. (p45)

There is nothing anyone can do to stop the good work God has started in you. He is going to complete it. He is with you and will fight your battles. (p47)

There is a purpose on the other side of your pain. (p.96)

Focusing on serving, encouraging, and blessing others will bring a sense of joy and fulfillment in the midst of the winter. (p154)

Like trees, we need to grow and maintain strong roots that keep us anchored during the seasons of life. We do this through absorbing the Word of God and being in His presence. (p162)

God delights in doing new things, and it gives Him great pleasure to have us be part of them. (p164)

Even though it does not seem like anything is happening, God is doing something. God has been working, God is working, and He will continue to work in your life. He knows what you need…. He knows you better than you know yourself. You can trust Him. (p178)

The spring season…focuses on opening our hearts to receive what God has for us. Because we did the work of releasing things that could potentially hold us back, we are now able to receive new things. (p180)

The world equates flourishing with activity, productivity, expansion, and success. A Biblical perspective does not mean we do more; it means we become more like Christ. (p228)

Throughout the seasons of our lives, Klein points out there are times of waiting, times of loss, and times of unexpected trials. But these are the times when we develop strong roots of faith, wisdom, and spiritual maturity. Even when the waiting times seem long, Klein writes, “we can be assured that everything in life happens at the right time. We can trust God’s timing.” Near the end of her book, Klein says, “The Lord is growing you through the unknown and unexpected seasons of your life. He is drawing you close to Him, transforming you to become more like Him, and inviting you to be part of His adventure and leave a legacy of love, hope, and peace in this world…. I am praying for you and cheering you on! ‘May the LORD cause you to FLOURISH’ (Psalm 115:14 NIV).