Created to Bloom

 

For two long years, my orchid sat on the windowsill, a sad shadow of its former self. Its vibrant blooms had long since withered, and despite my best efforts—careful watering, indirect light—new flowers simply refused to appear. It was a constant reminder of something missing, a beauty lost. I loved that orchid, but it clearly was not thriving.

Then, almost on a whim, I decided to move it. Two years of indoor melancholy were enough. I found a spot outside on the patio, beneath the dappled shade of a large Crape Myrtle, and placed it there, not expecting much.

To my absolute astonishment, within a few weeks, a tiny green shoot emerged. Soon, it grew into a strong stalk, and before I knew it, my orchid was bursting with glorious, vibrant flowers once again! It was as if it had been reborn, all because I finally put it where it belonged.

It struck me how much our lives can mirror this orchid's journey. Sometimes, we find ourselves in situations that, despite our efforts, just don't allow us to bloom. We might be surrounded by good intentions, but if we're not in the right environment, our potential can remain dormant.

Think of it like this: "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future" (Jeremiah 29:11). 

God often has a perfect "place" for us, a calling, a community, or a path that will allow us to flourish and live out those plans. He tries to guide us, perhaps through a gentle nudge, a persistent thought, or even a difficult circumstance that pushes us out of our comfort zone.

Yet, like me with my sad orchid, we sometimes resist. We stay put, wondering why we feel stuck, why our lives aren't producing the beauty and fruit we long for. We might be missing the signs, or simply be too comfortable (or too afraid) to make the move.

My orchid taught me a valuable lesson: sometimes, true growth and flourishing only happen when we're in the right place. Are you feeling a bit like my indoor orchid? Perhaps it's time to consider if there's a different "outside" where you're meant to bloom.

What changes do you think might help you find your "right place" to truly flourish?

Perhaps some time of prayer is just what you need to point you in the right direction. Ask God for clarity in where he wants you to be and then listen with an open heart as he shows you.  You were created to bloom too!

-Pastor Patti