IN BLOOM

It's the first day of spring, and the promise of new life is all around. We look forward to sunny days and the lovely exhibit of wildflowers all over the place. For the most part, wildflowers just grow and bloom just where they are—along the side of the road, in someone’s yard, and in the park. No one really plants them, but yet they grow in a beautiful array of colors, shapes, and sizes. Thus, they bloom where they are planted.

The first part of 1 Corinthians 7:17 says, “Nevertheless, each one should retain the place in life that the Lord assigned to him and to which God has called him.” Like wildflowers, God also ‘plants’ us right where He wants us to be. And many times, God places us or allows us to be in situations and locations that are less than pleasant. Being uncomfortable in any shape or form is not a pastime for me. If you are like me, I often want out of a seemingly difficult situation before I know how bad it can really get. But, at the end of the day, I do get to choose whether or not I will allow my circumstances to dictate my attitude, or if I will adjust my attitude in order to have a better outlook. I am finding that I can still choose joy, peace, and God’s love no matter where I am. I can smile when I really want to scream. I can laugh when crying wants to linger. And I can give God praise instead of sending out invitations for a pity party. Of course, there will be moments and times when other reactions and feelings will prevail. But we do not have to allow those same reactions and feelings to change the entire course of our lives and our walk with Christ for the absolute worse.

And if you feel like you can only grow and bloom in the best location only, think about this. Concrete is so hard and tough that you could break your hand if you were to punch it. By contrast, a flower is so delicate that you can snatch and rip it with just two fingers. Yet, that same delicate flower can push right through the concrete and continue to grow—even if through the existing cracks in the concrete. If God will allow a flower to do this, how much more will He allow you to thrive right where you are! God knows what ‘soil’ to put you in, and He knows when to ‘replant’ you in a new location. Until then, don’t just grow…BLOOM!

By now, y'all should know that I love a good song :-D Please enjoy the one that I added, and have a great and awesome day!