Tuesday, February 9, 2010

Bloom Where You Are Planted


Is it possible that its only been a week since I was posting all my "Snow Day Sewing" pictures? I glimpsed this little daffodil over the weekend during our local travels.

Plants are like people. Sometimes they grow and thrive even though they are planted in unlikely places. I know, like me, you've seen beautiful flowers growing in the summer time in the tiny amount of soil in the crack of a sidewalk. This is really one of God's little surprises for us which we can often find if we'll just keep our eyes and hearts open.

So what are some ways to bloom where you are planted? Here are a few I can recall just from yesterday:

1. Dealing with grouchy people on the telephone? Be sweet. You might be the only person they have talked to lately who isn't a grouch back! Honestly, at my office people will call us to ask for the phone number of our competitors! I will usually look the number up for them and give it to them. You never know what's behind this. Maybe they can't read well enough to find the number or don't have a phonebook. I want everyone to be kind to my family members in situations like that, so I try to be nice to people, who don't always deserve it.

Remember this scripture: Hebrews 13:2 “Be not forgetful to entertain strangers: for thereby some have entertained angels unawares."

2. Exasperated by the long line at the grocery store or post office? It will NOT do you one bit of good to let it make you mad! Life will go on.... even if it is delayed a few minutes while waiting in a line! And that little old lady clerk at the counter... could use a few kind words.

And who knows what disaster you may have missed by being delayed a few minutes. Many people were saved from the 911 disaster because they missed the train, stopped to buy something at the drugstore or were sick. We will NEVER know, in this life, the ways God has protected us. I'd rather be waiting in line at the Post Office that involved in a car wreck!

3. Family members didn't wipe their feet and there is a lot of dirt on your floors? :o) Might as well sweep it up and get over it! The day may come when you would love to have that dirt as a reminder of their presence, but they won't be there because of what ever life sends your way.

I realize that these are just day to day inconveniences. I am blessed that I live in America, have a good job, a comfortable home, plenty of food, and loved ones who love me. So many people in the world are REALLY planted in places and circumstances that are very hard for blooming!

So did God plant you in your current situation, like he does the beautiful wildflowers growing under adverse conditions? Its something to think about. If He planted you there, he can also move you to a better situation just as easily.

Have a great Tuesday!

7 comments:

Barb said...

I love this post! It is so true that we need to just slow down and go with the flow. I really believe that God planted us where he thought we would bloom the best. It may not be the easiest road for us, but some of the most beautiful flowers grow in the cracks of sidewalks.

Thanks for the gentle reminder.

Blessings, Barb

Donna said...

Your post is so true. Sometimes we just need to get over ourselves.
If Jesus could be treated so meanly and react with so much grace and kindness, why should I think I am above a little inconvience.

Your blog is so true. Keep up the good words!! Donna

Deborah said...

Thanks for the reminder! Things have been quite hectic the past month for me and I've often wondered what God was up to, what was he trying to show or teach me.There is always a purpose in what He allows into our lives. I needed this encouragement, Thanks.

Deborah

Eileen said...

This made me cry! I thought this post was extremely well thought out and nicely written. It sparked a change in me (at least for a day!) that I'm trying to embrace on a daily basis.

Especially meaningful to me is how you treat callers asking for your competitor's telephone number! That would be a very stressful situation to me. In fact, I'm certain it would elicit a angry response on my part.

Thank you Deb, for causing me to strive for kindness in dealing with others.

Jill said...

Great post and thanks for sharing! We all need a reminder of this from time to time.

Anonymous said...

Hi Debbie,
A beautiful post.
Hugs,
Elizabeth

Sue said...

Great post Debbie,
Thanks for the advice, I especially love the one about family leaving their dirt. OH! Would I like to have some of my children's, and g-children's dirt to sweep up. LOL
Thanks for reminding me to bloom where I am planted.
Blessings,
Sue

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