Today I noticed that this flower had finally bloomed in my side yard. I noticed the bulbs in the ground last week and didn’t think much of it and then last week I saw this flower begin to grow out of the old flower bulbs. Today I noticed that it had bloomed into a beautiful triad of flowers.
The thought I wanted to share today is about some tips on how to “Grow Where You Are Planted”. Sometimes it can seem that the “Grass is always greener on the other side”. Hopefully I am not being to cliche, but its true, discontentment happens to the best of us. The following are 3 tips on how to “Grow Where You Are Planted”.
1. Make Sure you are Planted in the Right Spot
This first tip may seem to contradict the tittle, because it implies leaving where you are. However, sometimes that is just what we need. I am not saying to quite your day job in the pursuit of make a living off of a hobby you enjoy. But I am saying to take a self assessment. Here are 3 signs that it may be time for a change, if where you are at doesn’t:
- Pay the Bills- If you are unable to make the money you need to pay the bills it may be time to move on and find a place that will provide for your needs. Don’t sacrifice your potential on the altar of someone else’s vision, especially if they aren’t willing to fairly compensate you.
- Bring Enjoyment- While there is something to be said for diligence and discipline in work and life I am also an advocate for the enjoyment of life. Find something you enjoy being a part of and do it. Sometimes even lousy pay can be made up for by a fun work environment with people you enjoy being around.
- Utilize your Gifts- You need to be using the gifts, talents and abilities that God has given you. If you don’t have opportunity to use and develop your gifts, talents and abilities where you are at, it may be a good idea to find a place you can. Don’t settle for a paycheck, strive to be the best version of you, everyday.
2. What You Tend Grows
This flower kind of came out of nowhere which is why it caught my attention. I didn’t water it, put fertilizer on it, or put new soil around it. It just grew, but thats not normal. Flowers, like all things, grow when they are cared for and tended to. Same thing with our finances, opportunities, businesses, relationships and spiritual growth. These things grow as we tend to them.
Here are some questions to ask yourself:
- Are their habits, relationships and work causing negative consequences in my life? Take a moment and add these to your TO DONT list.
- How can I spend more time in the areas of my life that bring me joy? Take a moment and asses these areas that you have neglected and add them to your TO DO list.
Take some time and invest into your relationships, work, spiritual growth and responsibilities that you care about. When we invest our time in people, projects and stuff it captures our heart. Time is a valuable resource, a treasure, and the Scripture says, “Where your treasure is there your heart will be also.” Matthew 6:21.
3. Be Resourceful
I didn’t water this flower, so apparently it found water deep in the ground to find the moisture to grow. Sometimes we can find ourselves in situations where it’s very difficult to find the resources we need to see the growth we desire in society, faith and life. I believe that it is at these times that some of the greatest innovations take place. It is poverty and lack of resources that has inspired innovation time and time again throughout history. Every lack of resource is an opportunity for innovation. Here is a great TEDx talk by Rick Warren about innovation. Check it out HERE
How are you growing where you are planted?