May 1 - May Devo - Bloom Where You Are Planted

My dad loved to spend his spare time gardening. As the youngest of six kids, I discovered the only way to hang out with him was by offering to help. When I did that, I learned a lot about flowers, but even more about life.  When I complained about the rain, dad would say, “April showers bring May flowers!”  When I complained about my school, my friends, or my family, he would say “bloom where you are planted!”  What he was saying (I learned later in life) was, “stop complaining about your surroundings; instead focus on making the world you live in a better place!”

The Bible often reinforces that idea. When the Apostle Paul said we should learn to be content no matter what our circumstances (Philippians 4:11-13), he was  saying “Bloom where you are planted.” When Jesus said not to worry about     tomorrow because tomorrow would take care of itself (Matthew 6:25-34), he was saying “Bloom where you are planted.” In writing to the Corinthian Church, Paul said, “Each of you should continue to live in whatever situation the Lord has placed you” (1 Corinthians 7:17). He was reminding them and us to bloom where we are planted.

This Missionary Poem carries the same wise message:

Bloom where you are planted,

Shine where you are sent,

Know that God has used you here,

Just the way He meant.

 

Love where you are living,

Serve where it’s His will,

Know that God has plans for you,

Only He can fill.

 

Grow where you are going,

Weep when you’re in pain,

Know that God restores your soul,

Makes you whole again.

 

Pray when you are breathing,

Laugh when you exhale,

Know that God is near you,

Never will He fail.

 

Cherish all the memories,

Make a brand new start,

Know that God has placed you

Forever in our hearts.