Blooming!!

We've all heard the saying, "Bloom where you're planted".

And we all know what it means, I think.

But for those who need a reminder, the meaning is simple: make the best of your current situation and become who you were created to be regardless of where you are.

I love that!!

I was speaking with my friend last week about possibly buying a camper at a campground. I'd looked at some pictures she'd sent and was super excited at the concept of getting away to a quiet area every couple of months and being able to put all of life's problems behind me for a while. The very thought of being able to escape my current situation in my hometown was exhilarating, to say the least.

So in looking at the photos, telling my son about it, and picturing myself signing the papers, I was ready and willing to pack up and go. LOL.

Until my friend sent me a message from her husband telling me that the camper was way overpriced, not the best investment at this time and maybe I shouldn't be so hasty to jump since my home is already between WV and LA, and life for me is not very settled at the moment. She and he made some other good points as well. But it felt as if someone had let the air out of my balloon and I was as sad as a child suddenly. I felt hurt and disappointed that I had to stay here in what feels like pure hell at times. I messaged her and told her all of the reasons that I HAD to go, all the reasons that I NEEDED to move away from here immediately.

I went on about my day of running errands and the normal to-do lists we all have. On my very last stop, everything fell into perspective for me.

I had to visit a body shop and as I was standing outside speaking to the owner, an old boat caught my eye. I'm not sure what they call them but it was like a racing boat and was flat on the ground, not like a boat you take the whole family on.

Anyway, I could see that the boat had been there awhile because there was grass grown up around it and some weeds had even grown up through the front of it. I saw a small briar bush poking up through one of the seats. I joked about being there to buy a good boat and we all laughed.

But what stood out to me the most was in the middle of the old boat, amongst the weeds and the briars was one of the prettiest flowers I've ever seen. It was kind of shaped like a tulip but I know it wasn't one of those. I'm not sure what it was but the little thing was beautiful. It was red and in full bloom. I stood there for a second staring at it as the others talked. I wondered how the little thing survived among all of the weeds around it, trying to choke it out. I thought how unfair it was that the flower had to be there in the ugliest of surroundings when it deserved to be in a big, beautiful garden among God's other handiwork.

I finished my business and started home, unable to get the flower out of my mind. I thought, if only I could somehow dig it up and transplant it to where it belonged, then it would be better off.

After I got home, I settled in and got to work. That's when it all hit me. That flower is EXACTLY where she needs to be. In the middle of that junky, old boat with those ugly weeds and briars.

The flower was the ONLY bright spot in the whole lot of wrecked cars and motors. The beauty of the flower stood out among the ugly that surrounded it. It certainly caught my attention and caused me to take thought of some things in my life.

I have a feeling that God put that flower there for a reason. I have a feeling that flower may not like where she is, but she is going to do her best to be who God created her to be; a flower among the weeds. She certainly made me smile and think.

I realized that I can move to a more beautiful place, a quiet garden where I would be happier, perhaps. But maybe I'm needed here in this place surrounded by briars and weeds that try and choke me out. Maybe God wants me to bloom right here for now and bring beauty to a place that otherwise would only be dull. Maybe.

I messaged my friend again.

This time I explained that I need to stay here and face things.

I realized with God you can find peace anywhere you are on the map. I thought of the flower and how she doesn't complain, but stands there and does what she was created to do for God.

So that's when the saying, bloom where you're planted come to my mind. I thought, so what if I need to be here for a while, I'll bloom while I'm here. And I do believe that God has a work for me to complete here first before I am able to move away permenantly. God wants me to learn the difference in moving because it's the right time for it and moving just to run away from problems. And that is exactly now I've been feeling these last few days. I've moved twice in my life to run from problems and let me tell you, they follow you. You don't leave them behind, them little boogers come along, lol.

I know that LA will be home for a while, but not forever. I don't have any desire to live there for the rest of my life. So in the meantime, I'll keep looking and waiting on God. After all, He knows what's best for me.

I'll bloom here in my little hometown and show the love of God to those who may need a bright spot in their day, just like the flower did for me. I'll grow among the weeds and briars that wish to take over the garden. Others will see that it is possible to bloom where you're planted.

Remember to work hard and Dream Big!!

Much love,

Christy