Spring never fails to bring me surprises: every year, a random flower blooms in an unexpected spot. My daddy always said the squirrels and chipmunks were his landscape designer. They’re mine, too. I can always count on four-footed helpers to dig up and replant bulbs. Outside my window, I see a tulip growing in the daffodil patch, and the intruder got me wondering about my own life.
How often have I refused to grow where I’m planted? How often have I allowed myself to be “replanted”? Genesis 1:11 (CSB) reminds us, “Each seed is expected to bring forth fruit according to its own kind.” Each of us is part of God’s grand design, and we are expected to blossom and bloom according to God’s plan—which isn’t always our plan. Like my tulip bulb, I should be prepared to flourish wherever I find myself, even when the location wasn’t in my plan. But despite the places and situations I’ve encountered over the years, I know I can count on being nourished by studying God’s Word, so I “bring forth fruit” for His glory.
I hope you know that, too.
If our roots don’t run deep, we can be bent or swayed by the harsh winds of this world—or uprooted entirely. When my spiritual life seems dormant, it is a direct result of not digging into God’s Word and remaining in His will, right where He has planted me.
I am encouraged by the psalmist’s words in Psalm 92:14-15 (NLT), “Even in old age, they will still produce fruit; they will remain vital and green. They will declare, “The LORD is just! He is my rock!” We are never too old, too late, or too far away for God to use us for His glory.
We are renewed by God’s pruning and His deadheading of our spent blossoms, and we are fertilized through the study of the Bible. Let’s find courage in the prophet Isaiah’s words: “For you shall go out with joy, and be led out with peace; the mountains and the hills shall break forth into singing before you, and all the trees of the field shall clap their hands” (Isaiah 55:12, KJV).
Can you imagine your joy being so grand that the mountains and hills will sing, and the trees will clap their hands?
That’s the joy found in the Lord. Trust His plan for your life, and bloom where you are planted. Someone needs to see God in you.
Beautiful! Jackie, you have such a way with words! ❤️
Marci, you are a constant source of encouragement. Thank you.
Love this. Reminds me to be content but growing in whatever state or season I find myself.
Pat, too often, we feel stuck in a season of life when we don’t see things happen as fast as desired. I was recently reminded in one of Amy Grant’s newest songs, “Trees We’ll Never See” I hope you enjoy it. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kYzGMsBwU8c.
Jackie
What an uplifting post that embraces spring and that everyone can relate to. Your writing always lifts my spirits.
Cathy, we are kindred spirits in our writing and caregiving; but most importantly, we are sisters through Christ. Thank you for your constant encouragement and care. I hope you and Mike have a blessed day filled with sunshine and smiles.
Hugs,
Jackie
I love your garden analogy – definitely one I related to and learned from. One of my favorite lines, maybe because it’s what I most needed to hear today: “We are never too old, too late, or too far away for God to use us for His glory.”
Thanks for your beautiful and encouraging words, Jackie.
Candyce, thank you for connecting with me. God continues to bless our friendship, and I look forward to what HE has in store for us.
Jackie