Written by Gary Sampson
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You may have heard the old saying, "Bloom where you are planted." It's not
a Scripture verse but we use it like one. It makes a nice wall hanging or
knick-knack for your desk. I guess I understand the saying and agree that we
are to be content wherever God places us (Philippians 4:11-12). But what if
where you are planted isn't where God wants you? What if you are a rose in the
midst of wildflowers or an oak tree growing in a vegetable garden? You may be
growing but are those around you benefiting?
Along the side of my house I have some rhododendron and lilac bushes that I
planted years ago when we first moved into our home. They have really done well
and have provided a beautiful view from outside my son's window. I really
haven't have to do much to tend to them as they sort of take care of
themselves.
However, over the past several years, I've noticed an oak tree growing up
among
the bushes. I didn't plant it, it just appeared from a seed that drifted from
the woods behind the house. At first, I paid it little mind, it was small and I
was too lazy. Well, it grew into nice strapping oak, its roots choking out the
lilacs next to it. It also started to cause cracks in the foundation of my
house, as the roots are right next to the concrete. So, I decided that it was
time to move it.
I was redoing the landscaping in the front of my house and thought that
this oak tree would be idea for the front of the house. It would provide shade
for the porch, attract song birds and give the front yard a new look. But the
tree wouldn't move easy. It's roots were intertwined with the lilacs and
rhododendrons It had put feeders out underneath the fence. It was all set to
live a long life where it was. I tried my best to uproot that tree without
damaging the branches or the root system but in the end I had to cut some
of its
feeders in order to pull it out of the ground. In the process, I also damaged
some of the bushes around it. There were a few bent branches and lost
flowers. I
dragged that tree to the front and put it in the hole I had dug for it.
My family all said I had killed it and for weeks I feared they might be
right. The tree stood there, supported by string, with its dying leaves
dropping
off. I watered it, fertilized it but it appeared that it was not going to live
in its new home although its new home was better for long term growth. It
seemed
to be resisting, almost defying me. Why hadn't I left it alone? Why did I have
to move from where it was? As I questioned myself, I began to see in this tree
my own life. How many times had I wrapped myself up in places I really didn't
belong? How often had I simply drifted into opportunities and rooted myself
there. Sure I grew. But maybe I was no longer helping but competing with those
around me. There came times when God needed to uproot me. After all, it's His
garden. But I, like the tree, usually resisted. I was comfortable; I was
growing. Moving somewhere else meant starting over; it meant being bruised and
maybe broken. I wouldn't look so good. Parts of me were going to have to
die. My
roots would have to be re-established. Why can't God just leave me be? Why?
Because I know that there are times in my life when I must be uprooted. God
wants to plant me somewhere else. There are other uses He wants to put me
to. He
wants me to bear fruit where HE plants me not where I am comfortable.
Against the wishes of my wife and neighbors, I left the "dead" tree stand
for a few more weeks. As I watched, tiny green branches began to slowly emerge
from the middle of the trunk. I shouted out loud the first day I saw them. The
new life isn't going to grow on the top. It looks like that dead stuff up there
is gonna have to be cut off. And it will take a while for the new branches to
equal the old but there is life; the roots were strong; they were able to
withstand the upheaval. Some of the broken branches are going to eventually
fall off. But new ones will take their place. Someday, this tree will give
shade
to the porch, song birds will come. Till then, I sit smiling and wait.
James 1:2-4 - "Dear Brothers and Sisters, whenever trouble comes your way, let it be an
opportunity for joy. For when rootedyour faith is tested, your endurance has a
chance to grow. So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully
developed, you willbe strong in character and ready for anything."
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