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... 

Second Fiddle

Does anyone out there feel like they are always playing second fiddle? That's a saying I heard from my grandmother when I was tiny & complaining that my big sister always got to do everything first. I wanted to be the one to be recognized for accomplishments.  I wanted to be the one called upon to help in the kitchen. I wanted to feel that my contributions were valuable. I wanted to be in the spotlight. It was all about what I wanted. 

It's easy to continue with that unhealthy emphasis on ME as an adult.  I want to be recognized & valued.  I often fail to remember that my worth is in my willingness to serve - not the end result.  Apparently, this is an age-old struggle.  In 2 Chronicles 6:8, 9 it reads, 

"But the LORD told him, ‘You wanted to build the Temple to honor my name. Your intention is good, but you are not the one to do it. One of your own sons will build the Temple to honor me.’" NLT

Sometimes it's hard not to scream out, "Why Not Me!?!"  I never played an instrument in a band. But, what about those students who work hard & practice a lot but don't sit at first chair?  And, what about those voices in a choir who are never asked to sing solos but faithfully attend rehearsals & performances?  Sometimes our intentions are good but, we are not the one to complete a specific task & be in the spotlight.  The Bible says that God looks at the heart.  Our heart needs to be in the right place.  

Dear God,  

Please help me to play second fiddle to the best of my ability with every fiber of my being - knowing that You are pleased with my gift to you.  And, remind me that there are NO seconds in your eyes.

(begun w/idea while reading the Bible on 2/22/12)