Bloom Where You Are Planted

Bloom where you are planted.

That phrase used to conjure up an image of a field in bloom; row after colorful row flowers beaming toward the sky.

But recently, I wondered about the seeds that don’t get good soil, or enough water, or are subjected to some other poor conditions.

In life, we don’t always have the best of conditions, and blooming in those circumstances is hard.

I’m reminded of the scripture that says,

When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through fire you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you.” Isaiah 43:2

I have walked through job dissatisfaction, career changes, financial stress, anxiety, depression and so much more.

As I consider all of those trials, the waters, the flames; the harsh conditions where I’ve been planted, I’m first tempted to look back in shame or embarrassment. How did I get myself into those situations? Why did I allow that to happen?

But, my eyes have been opened to see that in the midst of it all, I was still me, hanging on to who I believed God called me to be in those situations; using the gifts and talents that He gave me.

• A light in the darkness.
• An encourager amidst despair.
• A teacher in the chaos.
• A giver in spite of lack.

That is my new image of blooming where you’re planted; being true to who you are created to be.

And today, I have the most shining example of that in Parker Crew Belcher, my cousin’s baby boy, born Wednesday, March 4 at 11:16 a.m. and passed later that day.

In the six hours that he was here on this earth, he reminded God’s people to pray in the midst of trouble. He reminded us that life is short.

He challenged, and grew, our faith.  And, as the pastor quoted during the funeral service yesterday, Parker reminded us that “When you can’t see God’s hand, trust His heart.”

Parker reminded us that no matter how hard life gets, even when you’re fighting for your life, you can bloom where you are planted.