Last week I made a comment about feeling like life was passing me by when I was a mother of small children. Every day I set another milestone ahead of me as a goal to get past. Like this one: If I can just make it till they are sleeping through the night …
… off the bottle
… out of diapers
… into school
… and so on.
I remember thinking, I should be enjoying this stage more. Everyone tells me it goes by fast. But no matter how many pep talks I gave myself, there were days when I was sure God had made a mistake. I mean, how do you take a woman who was born to complete projects, and assign her to a life where nothing is every completed? I was certain God meant for me to find meaning and purpose outside of my assignments at home.
Here’s how bad it was on some days. If Mary Engelbreit herself had knocked on my door to deliver a hand-painted picture with the the saying “Bloom where you are planted” I seriously might have slapped her.
It was in the middle of that difficult period of my life that God moved my family across country from Arizona to North Carolina. Just when I thought it couldn’t get any harder – it did. It was only for two years but I was devastated. I felt like I was so close to regaining my “real” life, and just when I could almost touch it, God ripped it out from under me. Well, I didn’t really blame God. It was more my husband’s fault, as I saw it.
But just when I was determined to suffer in Southern-fried misery – and with a husband who had taken me sooooo far out of God’s will (at least as I saw it) – God taught me a lesson. And wouldn’t you guess, it had to do with blooming where I was planted.
Seems I had it wrong. The blooming God needed to happen wasn’t in my circumstances. I wasn’t supposed to figure out how to do more in the midst of challenges. God didn’t want me to work harder to overcome my “limitations.” Instead He had something new in mind. God didn’t want more of the old.
God had a fresh vision for me … and the blooming needed to happen inside my heart. In the midst of what very difficult, lonely, and disregarded circumstances – God wanted something new to grow.
- In the midst of feeling unappreciated, God wanted gratefulness to grow.
- In feeling overlooked, God was training me to look to Him for affirmation.
- Instead of rushing to the next moment to happen, God wanted me to find Him in the current one. He needed me to mine more value out of the present.
God needed me to stop trying so hard to control the circumstances, and to trust that He wouldn’t let any hard time go to waste. Yes, He knew it was hard for me. After all, He made me. But He also knew there was still work to be done. It was a time for my insides to match my outsides.
Typing those words on a blog makes it sound like a simple, clean process. It wasn’t. It took years to accept that God had (has) something to teach me smack-dab in the middle a hard times – and I’ve have MANY more since then. And sometimes it takes daily (hourly) pausing from the struggle of the moment and looking up to Him for advice, encouragement and refreshment.
Last week I was driving when I saw one of my favorite sites in the desert: the saguaro cacti are blooming. And the image of a beautiful flower perched amidst thorns seemed perfect for this message. So I took a few photos to share with you.
And then God put this Scripture into my mind:
“Forget the former things;do not dwell on the past.See, I am doing a new thing!Now it springs up; do you not perceive it?
I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.” Isaiah 43:18-19
Are you feeling weary today, dear one. Take some time to read Isaiah 43. It’s a beautiful reminder that God sees you, and has not forgotten you. He may or may not change your circumstances, but He can do a new thing in your heart.
Thanks for joining me to day. If you are reading this in an email and would like to leave a comment, please click here to be taken to my blog.
In His abundant and refreshing love,
Glynnis
Thank you for this. It was just what I needed to hear today as I struggle to get through a difficult time of my own. What a great reminder that it is not always about overcoming and moving on, but sometimes it’s about growing in the present and meeting God today rather than looking for Him in “tomorrow”.
I really appreciate your encouragement!!! This really touched my heart and I shared with several of my friends. You have truly bloomed where you were planted. God has a plan for us and we just need to trust. Always praying for you!!
Wow Today has been overwhelming How God Works! I Know God teaches me smack-dab in the middle of my hard times – and I’ve have MANY. And sometimes it takes daily (hourly) pausing from my struggle of the moment and looking up to Him for advice, encouragement and refreshment. God is making a Good Thing come out of a Bad Accident that left me Brain Injured and Thank You for helping Him with that here.
Thanks this has just given me alot of perspective on my situation and made me realize that dwelling on the past is exactly what I have been doing and that I need to be looking to the future. So much going on that I forget God has me right where I’m suppose to be and I need to just “Bloom where I am” thanks so much for enlightening me God Bless
This is the first time I am actually posting a comment in response to your post/email, although I have thought about it many times. Today, however, I just feel completely compelled to do so…to let you know how, so many times (especially today) your posts speak to my own experience. I could have written your last two posts word for word, with different locations and circumstances, but the same response. I wrestled for so many years with the frustration and monotony of parenting small children and felt incredibly guilty for not enjoying it. God’s grace has been in the midst of it all, but it is so very refreshing to hear someone else be so real about how tough parenting can be and how they’re not perfect. Thank you for being real, thank you for being so brutally honest and giving words to the experiences of so many of us.
Hi Rachelle – I’m so thankful you chose today to post a comment. I don’t always have the time to respond (although I always read each comment). I’m glad today I could say “you are welcome” and thank you for reading my blog.
I so appreciate your honesty. I have often felt guilty about not appreciating the circumstances I’m in NOW. I sometimes have difficulty finding joy in the mundane moments. But I know God is never mundane. He is always teaching us, growing us, stretching us in extraordinary ways, even if we don’t see it or know it at the time. I remember standing in my laundry room and realizing I was so resentful about this never ending task…and then it really struck me, I was blessed to be able to stay home and do this job and I started praying for the kids as I did their laundry. Not always, but when I really felt angry about yet another load. And it really helped.
Good thing Mary didn’t come to your door…
I also really appreciate you sharing your attitude toward your husband about that big move. Can so relate. It’s that “But God” thing…He is always up to something and it’s for our good. Please God help us to see this sooner. Love the scripture…one of my favorites especially in this season as my kids leave home, graduate from college, marry. Definitely new things!
It’s been a really hard few weeks and as a mom of two young kids, I’m hurting. Thank you for the encouragement and any practical advice you have for making it through – ways you turned to God for that encouragement when your eyeballs are popping from your head with anger as you try to calmly explain why kicking one’s brother is not okay AGAIN – would be helpful and greatly appreciated.
Interesting that you used the verses out of Isaiah. I was in a wilderness period in my life for a couple of years starting in 2007 and God gave me those same verses! I have referred to them often and have even shared that chapter with several friends.
Thanks for the wonderful reminders of His love and everlasting presence.
Thank you for your honesty. Every year as school is ending (I am a teacher), God presents me with a challenge for the summer. It has happened every year for as long as I can remember. This year is no different. I am trying so hard to look forward and not backward. In every circumstance, God has taught me to trust Him. I have to admit that I don’t really look forward to the summer break because I know something is coming! But I have learned that God is ALWAYS there for me, no matter what situation I find myself in! He hasn’t dropped me yet. I enjoy reading your posts.
Thank you for teaching our children! May the Lord delight you this summer.
Phyllis,
I can really relate to your post. I, too, am a teacher. I am also a mom of four children, ages 3-15. I feel so guilty when I become depressed at the end of each school year. I need a break, but the LONG summer break brings much depression each summer. I guess I can’t say that God presents me with a different challenge each summer…just the challenge of no structure, which leads to much depression. I have struggled with depression for many, many years. I can cope, as long as I have something to do and some where to go each day. I have to have something or someone outside of my home “forcing” me to get up and be somewhere each day, otherwise I find myself very unmotivated to the point of not being able to get out of bed. I hurts me deeply that my children don’t seem to be enough to motivate me. Is my problem similar to yours in any way. Whether or not, thanks for your post and honestly. AND, thank you to Glynnis for this blog. This is my first time visiting and I feel so much support!
WOW!! From one TRANSPLANTED DESERT FLOWER to another, thank you for the encouragement! I have also been moved from Arizona to North Carolina and have had to let my roots grow deep in foreign soil. It is truly not easy to adapt to God’s plan sometimes, especially when it involves taking you (ME) away from everything you have ever known…outwardly. The only thing you didn’t mention is the CULTURE SHOCK of moving from a City (Tucson) in the not so wild West to a little country town! One thing I’ve learned though is that God is the same out West as He is in the South and I have loved meeting Him in a new culture.
)
Here’s to all our sisters in bloom!! Let’s make the earth beautiful and fragrant
Hi Britnie – It’s so good to hear from you. God did so many things in my life because of that move, it would take several books to write. But one thing that stands out is how close He was when I was lonely. He started speaking to my heart back then and putting Scripture in my head I didn’t even know I had memorized. Yes, He is the same and yet He continues to reveal Himself in new ways when we are open to Him.
And yes, the culture shock was big. But I sure did LOVE the food and the people (not in that order) haha.
Thanks for sharing the photo, especially! I’ve heard the desert is beautiful in bloom… something I’d love to see in person.
Melody Ann – The only hard part about the desert in bloom is it’s 108 degree today.
But I think you’ll find it worth it. Thanks for reading my blog.
Thank you dear Glynnis! Your post really spoke to my heart also! I had just finished reading an e mail from Melissa Taylor about doing a study on your book and thinking to myself, although I could really use this I just don’t think I have the time right now. Well…by the time I was done reading your blog post I was near tears and now I realize I don’t have the time to NOT DO the study! My circumstances are different but I always feel wrung out, tired, and like I’m spinning my wheels and often letting that steal my joy. Next stop…Melissa’s blog to sign up
Yea! I’m so happy.
Thank you.
So encouraging, thank you!!! I broke my wrist and I have 4 small children… this post is very applicable!
Wow. God is awesome. I have the exact quote posted in my “school room”. I needed to be reminded. The quote has been on my wall for two years and I sometimes forget that its even there. I have four kids, seven, six, three and one. I’m in the trenches of motherhood. I also homeschool them. So I thank you for this post. It was a timely reminder to BLOOM right here in the thick of motherhood!
I love this one Glynnis! I relate to it as I too hate for things to be ‘undone’ yet everything in my life is ‘undone’ with all the hats I wear. Thank-you for sharing your experience and perspective. God Bless! <3
Thank you so much for putting into words what God has put into your heart. It just lifted my spirit today! How do you know just what I need to hear…lol….? (We know how!!) God bless you!!
Refreshing.
Wow! Perfect description of my current circumstances. Thanks.
PERFECT post for me to read today!!! Thank you, Glynnis, for so clearly, candidly, and honestly writing about what God has put on your heart to share. It refreshes me, refocuses me, and enlightens me.
)
Smiles,
Natalie
P.S. I live in Arizona too! I went for a walk this morning in Pinnacle Peak Park with family from out of town and snapped similiar photos of saguaro cacti that were blooming. They are amazing sights to behold!
Hi Natalie – How nice to hear from another AZ resident. Thanks so much for posting a comment.
Glynnis, Glynnis, Glynnis! How is it that I feel you are talking just to me each day? That Bible verse is just what I needed. My husband is always telling me, “Would’ve, could’ve, should’ve. Stop living in the past.” Sometimes the past seems safer and happier when the future seems so uncertain. Those are comforting words that I needed to hear. Thank you!
Wow! What can I say? Dear Glynnis the only I can say is: THANK YOU ,THANK YOU THANK YOU !!!! PERFECT post for me, too. God bless!!!
I’m so glad. Thanks for posting a comment!
Thank you so much for your post today Glynnis. It spoke volumes to me. For the past few weeks, I have been reminding myself of this very quote and have been reading Isaiah consistently in my daily quiet time. As one who has moved from Virginia to North Carolina to Austin, TX (Love my Texas hideaway with my sweet sister and nephews) and back to North Carolina, your words were like refreshing raindrops to my heart. Each time, I have movied, it has been with either tears running down my cheeks or hope in my heart.
“I mean, how do you take a woman who was born to complete projects, and assign her to a life where nothing is every completed? I was certain God meant for me to find meaning and purpose outside of my assignments.” In 2006, I had to give up my dream of becoming a pharmacist due to illness. Since then, I have felt adrift. Yet, God was never far away. In the space of the last year, I have moved from a prison in Virginia to Charlotte, NC. I’ve lived in the Wilmington area and then in the Research Triangle. But, I never dreamed that when I moved back to North Carolina that I would be here.
And, to tell you the truth, “Bloom where you are planted” has been on my mind this whole time. I’m 33 and single. To tell you the truth, I only want to be near my sister and my nephews. But, when God said move, I did. And, I feel when I move, God moves in a great way. For once in my life, I may be dealing with DIFFICULT circumstances in every area of my life but I have FAITH that God is with me. Depending on God through everything has allowed so many intangible but good things to bloom in my life. I may still be a seedling but I only pray that God will continue to allow me to bloom even when I wish for different soil.
Hi Kristi – God is definitely using you in North Carolina. I know we (the P31 gals) are sure happy you said “yes” to God.
Thank you for sharing. The Lord kept leading me to Isaiah 43, but I couldn’t understand what the new thing was. I was looking for it in my circumstances. I have been fighting “bloom where you are at” because I didn’t want to be where I am at. I do realize He is doing a good work inside of me but I have been making it harder by not cooperating.
Oh how I understand. This isn’t easy stuff when our circumstances aren’t changing any time soon. I’m praying for you!
Thanks, Glynnis for another post that I can totally relate to and benefit from. May you be blessed for ministering to women who are “behind you” in their stage of life!
Thank you Christina!
You have been used by God in such a special way today! Although I am well beyond the baby/toddler years, I have been faced with challenges of big kids with big kid situations and have been feeling overwhelmed with an “I can’t do this” feeling. If is sometimes so difficult to see God’s hand in things and I often need reminded of the fact that he truly is at work. I am going to be faithful to His word and not dwell on the past. . . “the good ol’ days”, but rather, I will claim Him at His word– that he is doing a new thing! Thank you Glynnis for allowing God to speak to me through you today. I am “overflowing” with emotion and gratitude. God bless you sweet sister!
Glynnis this post ministered to me so strongly. I’ve been struggling with dealing with my two daughters of late and have felt so much that I just wasn’t a good enough mother and that somehow God made a big mistake when he gave them to me – with all my flaws and faults. Dealing with teenage girl drama is exhausting and sometimes I feel like I’ll never get through it – how will I get THEM through it and yesterday I just felt so low, so tired, so fed up. Your post made me realize that God has a lesson in all of this for me, that I need to Trust Him in all things, especially in the relationships with my two daughters and how I deal with them. I need to seek HIM more and give into my emotions less. I need to stop letting my insecurities due to my past make me doubt my abilities as a mom today. I have always loved Isaiah 43 but today it was like a fresh balm to my heart. Again, thank you for your post today, the Lord truly used it in my life.
Sometimes learning to bloom where we are is hard, but slowly God makes us realize we are exactly where we need to be. I loved this post and I am excited about the upcoming study with Melissa Taylor on your book. God Bless
Once again the Lord has used you to say words that I needed to hear. I’m looking forward to reading Isaiah 43.
God Bless
Grace:)
Once again, I thank God for the depth and honesty in your blogs! Often when things are getting me down, your “lessons” are EXACTLY what I needed to hear! I thank God for the honesty of your struggles and how God shows you through them. Your words pierced through my situation and brought clarity and insite as to what God wanted me to do. Thank you so much! You will never know the far reach of your words! (well maybe in heaven
Karen
Good Morning Glynnis,
God Bless you for your awesome insight to the way life REALLY is! I am just speechless after reading your message for today. Life is wavering each and every day but you have completely spoken God’s truth “Bloom where you are planted”. I think I will be sharing those words with my family – it is so easy to lose sight of what God is really trying to do in our lives, no matter the season. You are an incredible person-thank you for sharing your “faith” and the realities that surround us.
Sincerely,
Edie Clavelli
i should say that i have found your outlook to life very encouraging. looking forward to read more of your articles.
with love and prayers,
priya
Hi Glynnis – thanks so much for your words of encouragement!! I always look forward to what you have to say.
My two girls are 9 and 7 and I think the “bloom where you’re planted” is my hugest challenge at the moment (and may always be). About a year and a half ago I signed up for some flute lessons with a now dear friend and not only had a great time learning from her but she put me onto P31 ministries which led to me reading your devotionals and posts too. What a huge blessing! I had tears streaming down my face while I read your blog today and thanks for the very concrete step of reading Isaiah 43 – I needed that. God gave me some clear direction a couple of years ago – which was to give my dreams to Him. They used to be to go and study music at grad school, now I don’t really know what my ‘dream’ is but I know that I need to let God direct the dream and to learn to bloom where I’m planted.
Thanks again for your encouragement to keep on trusting that our God will keep on “doing a new thing” in us.
p.s. My cactus shots are of the beautiful flowers on a blooming prickly pear cactus that remind us of a monumental year away in south Texas in the Rio Grande Valley.
Glynnis…your honesty and sharing about your life got me again! lol! Have been very restless and discouraged with my job as a CNA for quite awhile; not just the lack of pay, but rather, am I still making a difference? Yet in my talks, cries and fist in the air with God, am not getting a clear answer. Again, is it me getting the answer or God? Thank you for Isiah 43. Definitely will read it. Your blog and devotions have always been so timely for me. Perhaps after some weeding, He wants me to bloom once again in this gift He has given me.
Blessings to you!
P.S. Please pray for me. It’s time to go to work and the anxiety is setting in where I shake so bad I can’t breathe! Thank you.
Thank you, you have given me back one of the three greatest things-hope. Faith and love are a good thing too. Hope has put the life back into my soul. The encouragement that I received from your message is like some water to that saguaro so it will bloom. I too will bloom again. I’m sure it won’t take as long as it takes the first flowers to bloom (35 years) on the saguaro. Thanks for the encouragement.
Thank you for such a sweet note. May the Lord shower you with blessings as you turn your face towards Him.
Thanks, Glynnis!!!! Phew, God’s timing is absolutely amazing. . .your words came to my inbox at a time when Isaiah 43:18-19 REALLY spoke to my heart. I’ve always said “bloom where you’re planted” but was definitely feeling not-so-full-of-blooms. REVIVAL! Thanks again!
“He may or may not change your circumstances, but He can do a new thing in your heart.” — Thank you, Glynnis. I’m holding to that as we wait to move, looking for a new house and trying not to feel rushed or frantic. May he do beautiful things in my heart during this season.
Blessings,
Jennifer Dougan
http://www.jenniferdougan.com
Thank you so much for sharing. I am a mom with 3 young kids feeling so out-of-purpose and non-productive. I think I will let go and let God.
I can remember the days you described early in this blog so very well…just get to the next milestone…and now, as Huey, Dewey and Louey are off chasing the dreams God put into their hearts, I feel a little sad that I didn’t seize the moments in front of me. But God, (don’t you just love that) is teaching me that it is open season for seizing all the moments I have left. A new thing God is doing – can I get a woot, woot?
GLYNNIS! Thanks so so much for sharing your struggles. I appreciate this as I struggle raising young children. This was an encouraging devo…thanks!!
thank you for your blog. i am struggling in certain areas and i pray for God’s deliverance but He has not taken them away. i think i am making this too hard and i won’t give God 100% control in my life. i’m afraid. but i will try harder to let Him lead me and see what He is trying to teach me in my circumstances and i will read isaiah 43.
Glynnis, thank you for your words today. July 28th will be two years since I left my job to care for my oldest daughter, Tristan. On that day I found her in her apartment in a coma, and seizing. Long story short, she has anoxic brain damage, and requires 24 hr supervision. Her being alive is a miracle, her being able to walk, talk, and remember most of her past are miracles, which we are so thankful for. Her biggest problem is she hallucinates 90% of the time; medication helps her deal with them, but has not been able to stop them. For the rest of my life or her life I will be taking care of her, just as you would care for a 3 or 4 yr old, but who has the dreams and desires of an adult woman. I am overwhelmed by this, your words today gave me another way to look at my situation, and another scripture to lean on. Thank you.
Rhonda, thank you for posting a comment today. I’m praying for you and your daughter this morning. My heart breaks at the emotions I sense below the words. Although I hear your thankfulness for the life of your daughter and God’s goodness, I know your heart must ache for the loss your daughter faces. May the Lord fill you both with hope and deep joy that only comes from knowing you are held tightly in the grip of a loving God.
Thank you Glynnis.