“Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.” Matthew 5:16

Bloom Where You’re Planted

Just recently I stayed up late to watch a much-anticipated snowfall. I just love watching those big fluffy snowflakes float down, slowly turning everything into a winter wonderland. However, I did not expect to wake up to a foot of snow that had accumulated overnight. It was so beautiful, so quiet and peaceful, and I could hardly wait for it to get light enough so I could gear up and go outside to play in it. As the morning dawned, it did not take long to see how this heavy, wet snow, though beautiful, had caused much damage to trees and anything else that could not withstand the weight of it, leaving thousands of people in the cold and dark. Soon the snowflakes turned into raindrops, making the snow even heavier.

Days later I spotted one of my potted plants in our backyard that was entombed under a mound of this heavy snow. I figured that poor plant had probably succumbed to the weather so I went out to free it from its icy prison. But to my surprise as I raked off the snow, I discovered a tiny, delicate flower, still determined to blossom under that cold, heavy load. Designed by our Creator to thrive in this seemingly destructive environment, it was doing just that, blooming where it was planted.

Like that plant, the Lord has created and equipped us to bloom wherever He plants us. The difference between that plant and us humans is that we have been given the option to choose whether or not to bloom where we’re planted. We can choose to wait patiently and endure unexpected hardships by thinking on those things mentioned in Philippians 4:8. Further, Psalm 37:3-7 instructs us to trust and delight in the Lord, do good, feed on His faithfulness, commit our way to Him, and as we rest and wait on Him He will bring to pass those things that concern us, and give us the desire of our hearts. We are further instructed to “Do all things without murmuring and disputing” ( Philippians 2:14).

Are you allowing a “heavy snow” to squelch your peace and joy right now? Our loving and wise Gardener is keeping His eye on you, giving you His grace to endure patiently. It is possible for believers to see God’s will in every circumstance, and to accept it with singing instead of complaining, assured that in His way and in His time He will bring your “spring” to pass!

“Lord, You know what a cold, dark world we live in. Help us to let Your light shine, no matter the season or place, all for Your glory. Amen.”