It's like we're sitting around waiting for the perfect time or the ideal place. We've got a vision going on and it's grand and it sparkles bright. We keep our eye on it and hope and plan and dream that someday it's going to burst out big and large and oh so radiant.But what might we be missing when our present has become all about the future?
What might our world look like if we bloom where we're planted right here, right now. In this very spot we find ourselves in, no matter how disappointing or scary or desolate it may be. What if that future and that hope that God promises us begins now and not later. Here right in this very minute and not out there on some nebulous magical distant shore.
Maybe we should be pulling out the yard tools, digging up the rich compost, getting our hands dirty in the deep dark soil. And fetch the precious seeds we've been hoarding close to the vest for some distant day.
Grab hold of the rusty watering can. 'Cause those blooms are just begging to spring forth. All your beautiful gifts, talents, creative juices, energy, imagination. And we have no idea what color, aroma, shape, or form they'll take as they emerge glorious and bright.
Not to worry. The Master Designer's got it all figured out.
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So good, Linda! Bloom in the present and be nourished by that moment instead of fretting about the future. Words to live by my friend! Happy Weekend to you!
ReplyDeleteOne day at a time. Let's live our big dreams now!
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Love this! So glad you shared! Blessings to you ..
ReplyDeleteAnd late evening blessings to you!
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What a great reminder-- we can miss blooming where we are NOW because we are so preoccupied with the future. Thank you!
ReplyDeleteWhat a waste to miss all the opportunities that stretch in front of us now! Thanks for joining me here tonight, Courtney ...
DeleteThank goodness He does!!!! :) I'd be lost without His direction. Sometimes, even with... ;)
ReplyDeleteHe sure is our most sacred wise spiritual director. Now ... to follow His lead ...
DeleteOh I love this and it is such comfort in remembering that our Master Designer really does have it all figured out!
ReplyDeleteYou're so right on, Karrilee ... and He's just waiting for us to follow His lead! Makes you kind of wonder why we drag our feet on doing this ...
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I am cheering you on from inside the garden! Yes - live it now, plant it now - pour into it now!!!!! He's the Master Gardener - no need to wait on the sidelines!
ReplyDeleteYep, we cheer each other on to dream big and go live it! The fields are white, they're ready to harvest. Let's roll up our sleeves ...
DeleteThanks, Blue Cotton friend for being here today!
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I have that plaque to look at daily---"Bloom Where You Are Planted" INDEED!
ReplyDeleteGREAT POST!
Weekend Blessings!
It sounds so corny and cliche, but there's huge truth tucked deep into those 5 words.
DeleteI see you living that truth out, Lulu ...
I think of this whole bloom where you are planted often when it comes to my job. There are times when I want nothing more than for God to reveal what comes next because while I have a good job it's not where I see myself staying. But then I remember how God wastes nothing. He has given me a job and I need to bloom right where I am at . . . all for His glory. That really helps with the daily perspective of my job. Blessings to you, friend. xoxo
ReplyDeleteHis glory. You've hit the nail on the head, Beth. It's not about us or our satisfaction or our goals. It's what brings Him pleasure.
DeleteThanks for bringing this wisdom to the table today, friend.
Weekend joys ...
He really does have it all figured out, doesn't He :)? I get caught up in the "if-onlys" and "when __ happens, I'll be happy"... This can be a vicious cycle. Thank you for this beautiful reminder to "Bloom where we're planted" and enjoy our present moments.
ReplyDeleteWhat a going-nowhere cycle that is, isn't it. No wonder Jesus told us to live one day at a time.
DeleteThanks, Candace. I'm grateful you're here with us. May your weekend come alive with fragrant bloomings ...
I have learned through illnesses that you never know if you will even have a tomorrow. So, even if it is just the sprout pushing through the "rocky soil" of life and you don't totally feel like blooming, atleast you continue to grow through whatever circumstance you find yourself in. Everyone loves the Charlie Brown Christmas tree - and it got stronger when Linus wrapped his blanket around the trunk. So find those people that need that extra support!
DeleteYes, yes, Marilyn. I thought of that last night ... we don't know if we even have a tomorrow or what that might look like.
DeleteLet's get those blankets, gang. We're surrounded by people that need a loving touch, some tender care, some ongoing support. And we don't have to look too far to find them ...
Thanks for taking the time to be here, Marilyn. You know I'm glad you joined the conversation tonight.
Hugs.
That master designer - I'm sure glad I'm on his side! My family is getting ready for another move this fall (military...). I look forward to these moves; new places, new people, changes. You know, the flowers are even different... and they're all beautiful. I hope you have a relaxing weekend.
ReplyDeleteYou're incredible, Janet! To anticipate new places, people, and changes ... wow! Sounds like God's equipped you with an adventurous, positive spirit. So beautiful!
DeleteAnd I'm so glad you've joined us this evening ...
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Thanks for this good reminder, Linda. And the idea of planting a garden is a helpful metaphor for me. I tend to forget that God can, and wants to, work right now, right where I am.
ReplyDeleteThanks for doing the gardening thing with me, Gaye! It's good to see you again!
DeleteWeekend blessings ...
Great post. Wonderful word! Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteReally good to meet you!
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I love the line, "digging up the rich compost, getting our hands dirty in the deep dark soil." Yes, sometimes this planting and moving from the future into the present can mean digging in the muck and getting our hands dirty, but oh the beautiful blossoms that bloom when the dirt has been enriched with the muck of the compost. Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteI love what happens in the process of our excess food / garden debris morphing into the most gorgeous crumbly black soil! This, such a powerful analogy with what God can do when we give all our junk and useless bits and pieces to Him.
DeleteI'm grateful for your keen wisdom shared here, Dar. Thanks!
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Oh, I love this so, so, much Linda. We wait all week for the weekend, we wait all year for vacation, we wait till we're old to retire. WAY too much waiting for tomorrow and today gets lost in the wait. Can I just say I'd love to be your neighbor... appreciate your heart.
ReplyDeleteI'm grateful we are neighbors of the heart, even at a very far distance, Pat! I agree with you wholeheartedly ... let's savor this present moment in all its richness instead of simply hustling on to the next thing.
DeleteWeekend joys, my friend ...
You always know what exactly I need to hear. It's comforting to know that our job is to live fully in the present instead of trying to figure out our future. Thank you for sharing your wisdom as always. xx
ReplyDeleteFiguring out the future? AARRGGHH!
DeleteI'm relieved and freed that He's got it all under sacred control! Makes my futile efforts look so meaningless ...
Glad you're here, Yuko, as always!
Such a good reminder, Linda! I'm always reminding myself {and my husband} to enjoy the journey!!
ReplyDeleteAnd don't our men just LOVE IT when we give them those gentle reminders!
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I hope your weekend is smooth sailing, June ...
He's got it all figured out so I can rest and bloom where he has me. Thank for your your inspiring words!
ReplyDeleteI like that 'rest' piece you put in there,. Asheritah. It's kind of hard to burst out in full color when we're tense, stressed, crazed.
DeleteThanks for your wise insight ... I'm happy you're here!
I forget, far too often, that I can't just spontaneously bloom. It takes the work. And sometimes it takes being will to be here and not "there" ... thanks for the reminders ... Thank you for linking with Unforced Rhythms.
ReplyDeleteFor sure, Beth! To be focused here in this present moment, this current situation ... there's a reason why Jesus told us not to worry about tomorrow!
DeleteThanks for dropping in this evening ...
Love that, Linda! Great reminder and encouragement to "bloom where I am planted!"
ReplyDeleteBe blessed today, Beth, as you are joyfully present and available right where you are! Thanks for starting the day with us here ...
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Your words - "What if that future and that hope that God promises us begins now and not later." struck something in me. Yes! We are to live today with intention and purpose. Thanks for the reminder! :)
ReplyDeleteI just know He wants to do something in each of His children TODAY! I'm grateful to have you here, Debbie ... and to hear you're yearning for the same grace.
DeleteBlessings as you make your way through today!