Bloom

I read the words that wrap around that mug all the time.
I like that mug. I use it often.

But every so often I read them and actually think about their meaning again.

 (Seems I forget some things way to easily)

"Bloom where you're planted"

Yes, that message was definitely meant for me. I needed to be reminded of my purpose today.

Bloom.

Do you know what the words "bloom" means? It means simply "to produce flowers".

Flowers? Those are the seed-bearing parts of the plants (the parts that die to produce more plants and more flowers), which are normally surrounded by brightly-colored corolla (or what we call petals), and more often than not emits a beautiful fragrance. 

You know. . . flowers?
      The things you brighten rooms with?

BLOOM. {Wow... what a thought!}

I am not here just to grow..... to take in nutrients from my surroundings, to focus diligently on just staying alive throughout the heat, the wind, the storms... and in the midst of all the trampling little feet that traipse through my serene flower bed.

I am here to bloom. Produce flowers. 

Bear fruit... learn to give of myself and die so that even more fruit can grow.

To let Him brighten the room with the joy of His presence written on my face.

To fill the house with the sweet fragrance of humility and service.

That's what I'm here for. To bloom. And to bloom right here- in my home, in this season of life, in my position in the body of Christ- right here where He planted me.

So, I've been thinking about it. Blooming.

And watching how triumphantly those blossoms are still blooming where the boys planted them that very same coffee-mug-morning in the front beds..... right through all this extra-hot summer heat.

Even when we take no notice, forget to water them, brush past them a bit too roughly. 

They're blooming.

Gloriously.

Right where they were planted. Pointing... smiling... growing... upward every moment.

Jesus, can I be like that? Can I bloom gloriously- triumphantly- humbly like that?

Will you continue to whisper reminders to me throughout my days of the grace You are pouring into me so that I can bloom?

I want to bloom where I'm planted, Jesus-
I want to bloom.