“The way you live will always honor and please the Lord, and your lives will produce every kind of good fruit. All the while, you will grow as you learn to know God better and better.” Colossians 1:10

Small, Gnarled, and Fruitful

We have a small bottle brush tree in our back yard. It’s in full bloom right now. In fact, it’s in “over-the-top” bloom! I looked at it a few days ago in amazement. It has so many flowers in bloom that there are hardly any green leaves left, and I’m surprised it doesn’t topple over with the weight. It’s really beautiful.

As I stood looking at it, I could sense the still, small voice of the Lord speaking into my heart. It’s a small tree, but it is abundantly “fruitful” in its blossoms. Its gnarly branches bear testimony to the fact that it has weathered the stormy Cape weather. It doesn’t seem like a very big, strong tree—but it has stood the test of time and is producing the most beautiful, vibrant flowers.

I sensed the Spirit saying that we may think ourselves small, weak even, but as we weather what comes our way—with the Lord’s help—He will bring beauty and fruitfulness from our lives. He will help us to “bloom.”

Years ago I received a card that said, “Bloom where you are planted.” I took that phrase as a personal motto in my heart. I determined I wanted to do that—wherever I was, in whatever situations I found myself. I heard someone say once that even if you find yourself planted under concrete, look for the crack to find your way out. In the hardest situations, there is always a way to “bloom.”

I don’t want to stop blooming when I find myself in a difficult situation. I think a key to that is to always have a heart of gratitude towards the Lord regardless of our circumstances. There are always things to be thankful for…and as we worship Him, it gets our situation back in its proper perspective and allows us to bloom and grow.

I have been grateful that in the midst of my need and weakness of our unexpected journey, He has given me opportunities to still bloom, to still be fruitful. I have been weak, but He is always strong! And He doesn’t “waste” anything we go through. He helps us learn and grow!

There is beauty to be brought forth in whatever life throws at us—be it lemons, rocks, sickness, or unexpected journeys. With God’s help we can be fruitful in any season, in any situation…we can “bloom” where we are planted!

“Lord, help us to live our lives in ways that honor and please You, that we may produce every kind of good fruit.”