Bloom Where Planted

The Sovereign Lord is my strength; he makes my feet like the feet of a deer, he enables me to tread on the heights. Habakkuk 3:19

On my walks around the neighborhood I am always blessed by the beauty of nature, especially this time of year. The magnificent flowering trees and the stunning burst of color from the azaleas, hydrangeas and lilacs, always lift my mood and bring praise to God.

This spring one little flower has caught my attention more than any other. It has given me encouragement during this time of social distancing and lockdown. I have been feeling so oppressed and stifled. How can I help others and make a difference in this world when I am supposed to be sheltering at home? It all feels so self-focused. I have been struggling.

On my walk, I come to an area that is a shortcut path between neighborhoods. A sidewalk with gray fences on either side. There are no trees or bushes or any beauty in this stretch, until recently.

With the spring came the violets. There’s only about 3 inches of dirt on either side of the sidewalk, before the fence starts and the violets have taken advantage of every inch. I walk into that gray alley and my eyes are quickly drawn to the lovely purple flowers, thriving and growing just where God has planted them.

We may be feeling stifled and limited during this lockdown, but we can still bloom where we have been planted.

Continue your work for the Lord, no matter how small it feels right now, your efforts do make a difference. They shine brightly during this gray time.

Prayer: Oh Mighty Father in heaven, bless us to do your work. Encourage us to keep going, no matter how small the task. From patience with our families, to flowers for our neighbors. May we all continue to keep our eyes on you Jesus and the joy of our salvation.

For further reading: Habakkuk 3:19