Blooming

"Bloom where you are planted"

A phrase we often hear; seemingly cliché, but often very true. It reminds me of a scripture in Jeremiah 17:7-8 “But blessed is the man who trusts me, God, the woman who sticks with God. They’re like trees replanted in Eden, putting down roots near the rivers—Never a worry through the hottest of summers, never dropping a leaf, Serene and calm through droughts, bearing fresh fruit every season."

So my question is, where are you planted? Have you planted yourself in worry, doubt, fear, uncertainty...all things that we struggle with yes, but is that really where you want to be planted? Trust me, I get it, easier said than done right? I know for me, I like to have all my ducklings in a row when it comes to my life. I love organization and having a plan...ok ok fine I'll admit it. I like to be in control!

Aaaaand the Lord is laughing at me right now. Why? Because He is working to rid me of that need for control, and learn to trust Him completely, even when my ducklings aren't in a nice organized row. *insert cringe here* Going back to the phrase "Bloom where you are planted", I find that it encourages resilience because life can sometimes prove itself to be challenging, and not go according to plan. This gives us the opportunity for our response to prove that resilience. To grow through the cracks in the pavement, to push through adversity, to move past insecurities. It's a chance to grow, and become stronger than when you first started. There are times for us to bloom right where we are planted, and sometimes we are called to be transplanted to bloom better elsewhere. That just screams uncomfortable to me, how about you? I like where I'm at! I am comfortable there! I don't like change! All things I know I have internally screamed and verbally said with much gusto at the Lord.

"Ok Ariana, where are you going with this?" I am so glad you asked! I will put it to you as plainly as the Lord said it to me, "babygirl, it's time to get out of that comfortable state you've been in, unwrap from the blanket and come join me out on the water." YIKES! Where's the lifejacket? Where are my floaties?! I like my warm fuzzy blanket! I don't wanna! Ah yes, the classic I don't wanna. Newsflash for all, it's not about what we want. Proverbs 16:9 states, "Within your heart you can make plans for your future, but the Lord chooses the steps you take to get there." A perfect reminder that at the end of the day we have a choice, a choice to accept the guidance from the Lord, or to buck it and cause us to go off course.

I get it, the unknown is a semi scary place to be, but it doesn't have to be. I have to challenge myself daily, remind myself that the Lord's plans for me are GOOD, He delights in setting the course for us and leading us towards His goodness. It's ok to feel everything you are feeling, but don't set up came in those feels, move past them and trust the unknown future to an all knowing God.

So bloom where you are planted, allow yourself to be resilient, and grow through the cracks in the pavement. Allow yourself to be transplanted and grow and bloom even more in the new place you've been taken. Find rest in the uncertainty, peace in the unknowns, and bloom, baby. Bloom.