Bloom where you are planted.
This is the thought that has been weaving its way in and out of my mind for the past week. Summertime makes me restless. People are in and out town. I am in and out of town. Routines are thrown out the window. It makes me miss home.
And then I think, but what is home? I spent the first 30 years of my life in the same town. The majority of my family is there. I thought I’d live in that town forever. …And then I didn’t.
I recently started working through the book Having a Martha Home the Mary Way by Sarah Mae. On one of the days she recommends a personality test to discover your cleaning style. I took some different ones. They all came to a similar conclusion:
I don’t like change.
A few other traits mentioned were: careful, methodical, loyal, disciplined, likes a secure environment, concerned what people think, avoids conflict and change. I had to laugh as I read them to my husband because this list didn’t surprise either of us.
But what do you do when change is upon you? Since that moment when I drove away from the house that I thought I’d live in forever, change has been an ever-present part of my existence. Even when things are steady, I think change is around the corner. Sometimes I live in expectation of that change and so I don’t fully embrace where I am in that moment.
This is my third city since I left my hometown 8 years ago. I have learned a lot about change and have grown, but I still have a long way to go. I am right upon the 3 year mark in this place. My children have finally found their happiness here. On our return back from Florida, there were some comments about liking Virginia better. My first thought was “you traitors”, but in reality I was overjoyed that their hearts are content here. I am still restless. I have realized it’s because I haven’t fully tried to “bloom where I’ve been planted”. Home is wherever you make it.
Like a child on their first trip to the ocean, I wander to the edge of the roaring sea. As soon as the waves touch my toes, I run back to my spot of safety on the shore. After a while, I’m ready to make my way back again. I do so with trepidation and this time I let the waves roll over my feet.
The biggest thing that I have realized through my moves is to just keep putting yourself out there. This is not a strong trait of mine. But I keep doing it. It takes time. It’s not always comfortable. Sometimes it’s downright scary. My advice is to keep pressing beyond your comfort. If you take the time to sink in your roots or to brave jumping into the waves, you will find joy and contentment.
You will bloom where you have been planted.
The Lord will guide you always;
he will satisfy your needs in a sun-scorched land
and will strengthen your frame.
You will be like a well-watered garden,
like a spring whose waters never fail. – Isaiah 58:11
Let your light shine!
Amy
