PAIRINGS - Bloom Where You're Planted

I heard that from my mother over & over & over again as a child, youth & young adult. It was almost always followed by me shivering & wincing - similar to the reaction some people have when they hear fingernails scrape a chalkboard. I knew what she meant by it. I knew it was true. And, I knew I wasn't in the mood to embrace that truth most of the times she said it.

I didn't even realize that I was following that piece of advise as the years went by. The life of a "PK" resulted in me living in seven different states from birth into my early 20's. Between Kindergarten in Belding, Michigan & college in Anderson, IN, I attended 6 more different schools (in 3 additional states). And, you know what... ? I found wonderful things to do and made great friends in every new place. 

One opportunity we have as the years pass by is to embrace some of the truths we avoided in our youth. Truths like...

• Bloom where you're planted...
• Make lemonade out of the lemons in your life...
• Life's not fair...
• Actions speak louder than words...
• If the shoe fits, wear it...

And those truths become more like familiar friends and less like enemies over the years - when we allow them to do so.

Today I was thinking about the pictures posted by a friend who recently moved back to the city of his origin... the Emerald City... Seattle, Washington.  I see those pictures & think WHY CAN'T I LIVE THERE. Upon having that thought, I heard a voice in my head. But, it wasn't my mother's voice speaking the words. And, I didn't shiver & wince. The voice was ME speaking. The reaction was a feeling of embracing the statement:

Bloom where you're planted!

And then, my silly mind tacked on a personal reminder for today after feeling a bit jealous over all the gorgeous Pacific northwest photos:

After all, not ALL of us can live in Seattle. 

God has proven to me, over & over, that there will always be plenty for which to give thanks - if I open my eyes to those gifts!

"Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus." 1 Thessalonians 5:18

Linking with Ann Voskamp - A Holy Experience today...