I don’t know who first told us to bloom where we are planted, but it’s become so common that we forget to pay attention. Seed catalogs will be out soon and we’ll be planning what to plant, and having visions of what our gardens and yards will look like. Never as lovely as it all looks in the catalogs, but the important part is setting the goal and doing the best we can.
This would be a good time to take stock of what abilities we have to offer in the new year and how to go about blooming in our families and communities. Stop the nonsense about not being as talented as your neighbor and take a good look in the mirror. Make use of what you’ve learned over the years.
We have a neighbor who always brings us a generous plate of Christmas cookies, so artfully arranged that we almost hate to spoil it by indulging. Being the person she is, I asked how many of those she and her daughter deliver. Eighteen. I can’t even imagine the hours of preparation and delivering, among all the other obligations of the season. That family is involved in many aspects of church and community. If they moved away, which they don’t plan to do, it would leave a huge hole in many people’s lives.
One of my grandsons is a veteran of Afghanistan, and a biker. He offers a listening ear and spiritual support to vets who are struggling, many of whom are biker friends, and also serves on various boards and volunteer positions in the small town where he and his family live.
Some people help at a daily meal which is served to anyone who needs fellowship and nourishment. One of my friends sends a daily email to many people, offering a poem or spiritual message.
I know a lot of young adults who help in various ways in their churches or communities and are working toward careers that will enhance everyone’s well-being. In spite of the wrangling and vitriol that fills our news and social media, there are many who strive quietly to enhance our world. There’s hope for our world and our communities, but you have to sit still and listen for it because the people who make a difference are busy going about the planting and blooming. Don’t take the gardeners for granted. Become one. In the new year, look within for the seeds you can plant to make the garden beautiful.
Meet me here next week and meanwhile do your best. A lot of other people do.
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