I spend a few days every other month in the city where my dad lives. While I am there, I have been fortunate to stay with my nephew. The lake view from the back deck is ladled with stately oak trees, the sun reflecting its glory, and an occasional animal scampering about. During one visit, as I was commenting on the beautiful view, my nephew replied, “Yes, sometimes, and then you remember, it is just a tiny lake in the middle of little ole Lake City.”
As we are living our lives, does it matter where? Does it make a difference where the lake is geographically located? I propose it doesn’t matter! We should relish in the beauty around us, no matter the geographic location!
What is the overused saying, “Bloom, where you are planted?” I don’t want to waste my life wishing I was somewhere else, doing something else, living someone else’s life! I want to live the journey that God has designed for me, enjoy the beauty right where I am, and find beauty all around me every day. The more I LIVE in the moment, directly where I am, I can experience the most beautiful scenery, the most precious relationships, the most beautiful moments, by just being attentive. Not allowing the stresses of every day weigh me down or allowing them to steal my Joy. I resolve to find Joy all around me.
In Ezekiel 17, God tells a parable of 2 Eagles and a Vine. Verse 22: “ Thus says the Lord God: “I myself will take a sprig from the lofty top of the cedar and will set it out. I will break off from the topmost of its young twigs a tender one, and I myself will plant it on a high and lofty mountain.
Where God himself has planted us is where we thrive. Toward the end of the year, I find myself assessing my life. Did I accomplish all I wanted? What could I have done better? Where did I fail? All of these statements are all about me. The better question is asking God if I followed him in obedience? Where did I fail you? God, what is your desire for me now? My passion is to Bloom, where God has me.
24 And all the trees of the field shall know that I am the Lord; I bring low the high tree, and make high the low tree, dry up the green tree, and make the dry tree flourish. I am the Lord; I have spoken, and I will do it.”
To flourish, I must be in the “location” that God himself placed me, in my mindset, in my interaction with people, in my job, in my family, and my community! I encourage you to flourish in your location!
The Holy Bible: English Standard Version. (2016). (Eze 17:22). Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles.
