Bloom Where You’re Planted!
As I was out for a walk this week I noticed this little guy popping up between the cracks in the sidewalk. My perfectionistic tendency was to pick it up and toss it in the trash when I arrived home.
But then I had a second thought. It’s blooming, slight as it is, where the wind has planted it so who am I to change its course or purpose?
I thought about the weed as I continued walking and saw the metaphor it held for me. I too, should pay attention to where I’ve been planted in life and then give it my best, blooming and sharing and reaching out to those whose paths I cross.
This little lesson changed my point of view. I smiled and meandered the rest of the way home, committed to ‘blooming’ each and every day in whatever way I can and to watch for other ‘bloomers’ too. We all have something to share and to teach each other–if we simply pay attention.
“God uses us to spread his knowledge everywhere like a sweet-smelling perfume.”
2 Corinthians 2:14 (ERV)
Good word Karen. I failed that one. I was born and planted in Portland, Oregon. I grew up there and entered and finished the service to my country. I came home and thought I’d move out of folks place to my own place. I did but I was wondering, where now. Then i met this woman. Lol. <3 Forty-two years later though, we went down separate paths :-(. Now I live in Port Angeles, Washington. Since then I've lived in quite a few places in Oregon like Portland, Tigard, Albany, Lebanon, Silverton. Then I moved to Grapeview Washington. That didn't pan out. Here I am in Port Angeles, Washington. Hope this is the last place. Too much information? I've got an ideal place to write now however. I live two miles outside of town in the woods. It's secluded with huge pond in front. It's quiet. Love it. As long as I have the Lord, I'll survive wherever I am I guess. May the Lord bless you and keep you and make His face shine upon you and be gracious to you. May the Lord lift His countenance to you and give you peace. Karen
Hi Jim. Thanks for sharing your adventure of being planted and replanted. I do believe moving around according to God’s leading and the circumstances of our lives is just fine. My point is to ‘bloom’ wherever you find yourself at any given time. You appear to be doing that with your current home, ideal for your writing career.
What a lovely example, Karen, that your eyes and heart were open to see. Thank you.
Thanks, Carol. I appreciate your comment.
Karen, you need a “Like” button for your blog posts. I’d certainly click it for this one.
Hi Janet. I talked about the ‘like’ button a while ago. There is one on the email you get announcing my blog for the day. You can go back to that and click like. Thanks for enjoying what I wrote.
So good. I love that pausing and considering the value in something else ended up making you see new value in yourself. I´ll be keeping this in mind for me, too.
Thanks, Johannah. It is amazing, isn’t it, how such small things can provoke such large insights when we keep our eyes open?
Love it! The first time I saw the words “Bloom where you are planted” they were framed hanging in the hallway at Red Bird Mission in Beverly,Ky. I loved it! MANY years later I was planning a reception for our associate Pastor who was being transferred in the middle of the year because of a vacancy – he did not want to move and we did not want to lose him but it was necessary. To encourage him and his family I had a huge sign made with these words and had it drapped across the wall above the stage in the Social Hall. We decorated one special table with potted plants for the family to take with them to plant by their new home. They loved the plants and the “Sign”!!
Thanks, and the next time you see a “weed” pick it up and really study it! I did one time when I was grieving over a loss and saw a little touch of purple in my yard, I picked it, studied it and was amazed at the intricate design on such a tiny flower. I still have it in one of my Journals because it made me realize that even a weed can be beautiful!
Love, Margaret
Thanks, Margaret. I agree that even a weed can be beautiful if we take time to study and appreciate it as another of God’s creations.
Wonderful reminder, Karen. Yes, it’s hard to stay in NOW for planners like you and me…but, we were meant to enjoy the moment and grow in that simple truth known as the “present”— What a gift.
Thanks, Heidi. I seem to need all the reminders I can get each and every day.
Interesting observation and very interesting comments.
I too have noticed these things that grow in unexpected places in “spite of the odds”. I often notice too that some of the most ordinary plants have the most beautiful flowers. Hidden away where only God can see them. Blooming just for Him. I think He notices each blossom, just as he has his “eye on the Sparrow’ and know the “hairs on our head”. What a wonderful God we have.!!!
Thank you, Etta Mae. Your comment inspired me. Yes, what a wonderful God we serve.
Pushing through my concrete crack with all my might right now!:-)
Thanks for the fresh motivation Karen!
Smiles, BRC
You’re welcome. I know you’ll make it. 🙂