Hmm…I love the reality of blooming.
Flowers rioting with color, willy-nilly reaching up to the sun. I love the gentle lines of peonies and the puff of a blue hydrangea. I long for the delicate lace of things that grow wild in a field.
The word bloom holds up the idea of coming into our own, the natural result of the growing cycle. It can be hard to wait for the bloom.
Sometimes we get it backwards.
Have you ever chased after the bloom, trying to skip over the planting, waiting, or watering? Have you ever tried to force a bloom in your life before its time?
For truly, it is hard to wait all the days that seeds lie dormant under the pressure of dirt and roots stretch deep. It’s hard when waiting wonders if that tender green shoot will grow tall and bloom open wide.
Waiting for the bloom can make us feel as if all our efforts reach out into space and we have no control in a world that promises hard work pays off.
Maybe each of us struggles with the temptation to want the bloom before its ready–both in ourselves and also in others. Expecting a bloom, we are irritated or disappointed when that sweet shoot of a child can’t bloom on our timetable.
Thinking yes it’s time, we interpret our own lack of a bloom as failure or inability.
Haven’t we all struggled with trying to force a bloom? There are days in this writing life that I wonder if all these words will ever bear the fruit I hope for. Then I raise my heart to the sun and reach down deep to my roots and soak up life that delights.
I nourish on God’s word and remember,
I let go of the want for a bloom. I rest from the forcing, and I resist the urge to take a weed-wacker and cut the whole thing down!
In what ways have you tried to force the bloom?
Today I am linking up with 5 Minute Friday and Beauty Observed.
Friday Favorites from this week in the Blogosphere:
Lisa Jo Baker writes, “We read this story not just because someone lived it. But because someone faithfully wrote it down.”
Hannah C. Hall shares about the need to refresh spiritually in order to write authentically: “I am putting off the work that my own soul needs, and it needs more Jesus. I want to be so full of Him that what I write on this blog and how I speak to my children and the way I minister to my husband comes from the overflow of Jesus in my life, not from the scrapings on the bottom of the barrel.”
I can so relate to Joanna of The Squirrel’s Diary when she confesses,”I, on the other hand, embody the term “haphazard homemaker.” When I have a plan, I plan my plan, then I plan to implement my plan, and then OH LOOK THAT BOOK LOOKS INTERESTING.”
Karrilee is counting her blessings with a photography feast for the eyes. Love her pictures!
So glad you're here. I help busy women—gals like you— build healthy habits for living well with biblical wisdom and practical steps to deepen your faith, increase your hope, and thrive in your purpose.
Wow. This is such a piece of art. Thanks for sharing your gift here at FMF. Yes, it is so hard to wait with hope. And I love this line: “Waiting for the bloom can make us feel as if all our efforts reach out into space and we have no control in a world that promises hard work pays off.” Perfect! I’m so glad I stopped by here. Great post!
I’m honored by your gracious comments, Karen. FMF is a new thing for me, but I really like having a prompt and just going with it. It is an adventure to see what comes out. Thanks for visiting today!
Oh I am so guilty of trying to force the bloom! Great post and love your pics!
Thanks for stopping by. Enjoyed visiting your blog today:)
I can become so impatient, while waiting to bloom, as if what I produce would be anything in comparison to what He is working out in my heart. Have a lovely weekend!
You too my friend. Great insight today–thanks for sharing. Yes, there is such a gap between our plans and God’s!
Lovely message and pictures Ginger! Your message reminds me of a quote written by Jim Elliot; “Wherever you are, be all there! Live to the hilt of every situation you believe to be the will of God.” Some of us are never happy in the moment; we are restless to become and do more. But God desires for us to walk in His plan; He has not left us by ourselves but has called for us to remain in that place where He has brought us until we bloom! ♥
Blessings!
Denise
I love that quote by Jim Elliot! Thanks for sharing it. It’s so easy to struggle with discontentment, trying to force things to be like we want them. I love your insights on this. Thanks so much for stopping by today, Denise.
Hi Ginger, your blog has become a favorite read of mine. I recently got tapped for one of those blogger “awards” – Very Inspirational Blogger – and I named you in my “acceptance” post. Even if you do nothing with it (not every one’s cup of team I know), thought you might like to know that your blog has touched me.
I am touched by your kind words, Kristen. Praise God that my nattering away on the keyboard has blessed you. I have enjoyed reading your blog posts after finding your blog in a recent link up. I cannot tell you how much I appreciate your encouragement.