Ah, spring has arrived. The season of rebirth and renewal. The anticipation of new things to come. The excitement arises as the appearance of some of God’s prettiest creations awaken from a nice, long winter sleep. In my opinion, this spring has been so beautiful in the display of new colors popping up each week in nature. Y’all know that fall has always been my favorite season, but I will tell you that this spring has captured my attention and my heart. The reds, oranges, pinks, purples, whites, and yellows have been stunning. Then the green comes on scene when all the leaves start to open up and wave amongst the wind. There were times as though I had felt I had walked inside a Bob Ross painting with the dabs of color here and there. God really has given us so much beauty around, I sure hope I always take time to notice and appreciate it.
For some of us, with the spring season here, comes the task of preparing for the planting season. Maybe it is flowers or veggies you prefer to grow. Perhaps you have a couple of pots, or an acre or two, or even a hundred acres you tend to. To be successful one must pay attention to the needs and requirements of the seeds they are planting. What is helpful to them as well as what is harmful. You also want to pay attention to the dirt you are putting the seeds into as well as how much sunlight and precipitation they will get. Certain environments are better suited for specific plants. It takes intentional preparation to grow plants, but even with all the planning you may put into it, sometimes it just doesn’t go as you hoped. There will be circumstances out of our control, for example the weather or uninvited pests. Why we cannot prevent those things from happening, we can choose the environment in which is best suited for the plants to thrive to give them the best chance.
With the thoughts of the current season, my mind has also reflected on how important it is where we plant ourselves. Are we currently planted in conditions favorable for us to thrive in what God has planned for us? Being planted can refer to several things: your home, relationships, workplace, and church are just to name a few. I also think of the influences we allow into our lives: the music we listen to, the books we read, the shows or videos we watch, the people we hang with. These choices matter. They have a greater impact on our lives, probably more so than we realize . They shape our attitudes, perspectives, moods, our faith or lack of, and our relationships. What decisions are you making that are lacking in preparation? Did you end up where you are based on the desires of your flesh? Did you seek God’s counsel in the relationship or job you are currently in? Do you seek out positive, uplifting media to listen to, watch, or engage in? Do not dismiss the effect these factors have on your daily walk. You may think they are trivial, but they can add or subtract to the joy, peace, and productivity of our lives.
We have a God who loves us. He sees us. What we do matters to him. Where we plant ourselves matters to him. It will affect our ability to fulfill our God given purpose while here on this earth. I want to be effective for the Lord. He has proven his faithfulness to me time and time again. He gave his life for me and for you. We do not have to get cleaned up for him to be able to use us. He says to come as you are. He loves to use things that are broken so that his glory can shine through all the cracks. So my question to you would be, where are you planted today? Can you make some improvements so that you can better serve him? Serving God will add a joy to your life that is unspeakable. Plant yourself in his love for you. Plant yourself in his word and find a church you can grow in. There is no greater life to live than to live for the Lord. You have life because of him.
Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, Nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. But his delight is in the law of the LORD; And in his law doth he meditate day and night. And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; His leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper. Psalm 1:1-3
Keep moving forward,
Hayley W
Unpolished & Imperfect 