Bloom Where You Are Planted

Friends, the last 2 entries in my spiritual journal both focus on a garden theme. This is very timely as a parade of blooms have erupted around our home. A special bonus on our Cedarburg property is the heirloom gardens--some originating in the 1880's. Ironically, I have neither a passion nor a desire for gardening--the bugs, all the equipment, dirty hands, continual weeding. But, I love gardens and flowers! I just dislike the arduous process by which spectacular botanical results are achieved. Thank goodness our perennials are not only ancient but also hearty and forgiving, and our whole family eagerly awaits their arrival each spring. Just like God's love, they are a sure thing!

With that said, I will share the following thoughts with you....My quiet time in God's Word today was inspired by my thoughtful husband. He spent his time in prayer while wandering around our property collecting a variety of blooms from our gardens. I awoke to a gift on our kitchen island--a vase full of daisies, lilies, purple phlox, bleeding hearts, and others that remain nameless to me. I enjoyed this bouquet all day and waited for my "quiet time" to come.God provided me with a small miracle in the form of a rare afternoon nap for George.

"Bloom Where You Are Planted" filled my thoughts as I gazed upon the path of purple phlox stretching toward the creek. I opened my Bible. Jesus uses so many parables about plants and the planter, but I turned to Matthew 13: 31-32--the classic parable of the mustard seed. We all know that the mustard seed is one of the smallest seeds known yet with proper care it too can become a great, big plant. The connection to my life was obvious--I must continue to be spiritually "fed", "watered", and "nurtured" by studying God's Word in order to achieve that great, big purpose He has for my own life. This pentecost experience has been a spring board for reminding me to make that time for spiritual growth...even when life is hectic and busy.

God bless this small group and the tiny miracles we will experience!

smn