Bloom Where You Are Planted
It seems like a lot of people in this world are stuck in the wilderness, looking for the Promise Land. They are seeking the “pot of gold” at the end of the rainbow, but never seem to find it. They are like gypsies. No home, never settled, always seeking, never landing. No roots.
In 1901, Russell Conwell wrote a book called, Acres of Diamonds. Considered by many to be one of the finest speeches ever written, Acres of Diamonds offers lessons about the rewards of work, education, and finding the riches of life in one’s own back yard. I highly recommend that you read this book. It is a great lesson in life.
Perhaps you know people like this:
- People that can’t keep a job for long. They are always moving on to the next gig.
- People that can’t keep a relationship going. They are always moving on to the next relationship, changing friendships and even marriages like we change our socks.
- People that don’t know what they believe, so they are always moving on to the next spiritual guru.
What is going on here? There is a common under-current that seems to flow in all of this. It is a spirit of discontentment. I believe many people miss the Promise Land because they have not learned the Principle of Blooming Where You Are Planted.
This Principle simply stated, is that we need to take root wherever we are. We need to be watered and nourished. Then we need to grow. In growing, we give back.
Principle 1. If you have no roots, it is impossible to grow. Activity for the sake of activity does not equal success, it just makes you tired, frustrated, depressed, and broke. Allow yourself to grow by seeking activities that are positive and that have roots.
Principle 2. In order to establish roots, you have to give it time. Impatience is the enemy of growing. It takes time for the roots to get established in your business, your relationships, your finances, your spiritual life. Growth does not happen overnight…unless you are a Chia Pet (and those don’t last long) LOL.
Principle 3. The Promise Land may very well be the place that you are now. You just don’t see it because of your impatience and ingratitude. Start by being thankful for what you have and where you are. We don’t always get to choose our circumstances, but we can choose how we respond to them. Have an attitude of gratitude. You don’t have to give thanks for all things, but you can give thanks IN all things.
May your roots be established. May you be nourished to grow strong, healthy, wealthy, and wise. And most of all, may you grow to give back. That is the circle of life. If you want to truly live, take root, grow, and give.
Shalom!
Dan Skognes