Bloom Where You’re Planted

Bloom where you’re planted. As I reflect on the season, I\’m reminded of these words I heard last year from my aunt.

The Azaleas

Last year, around this time, I was outside for some much-needed sunshine and noticed that my azaleas in my front flowerbed were in bloom. This was significant for me because I almost didn’t have azaleas in my front flowerbed.

When we originally built our home (about seven years ago), the landscape included 4 azalea bushes that would presumably grow to form somewhat of a hedge. I was truly excited about this, because Augusta, Georgia is known for its beautiful azaleas. If you have ever watched the Masters Golf Tournament, the overall beauty of the golf course is in correlation to the lushly-deep-pink azalea blooms. When the azaleas bloom in Augusta, it’s officially spring time; which is usually around the end of March/beginning of April.

However, this WAS NOT the case for my azaleas.

Stunted Blooms

It almost seemed like my azalea plants’ growth had been stunted or something. So, three years ago, I had my husband to pull the two middle bushes up. I mean something had to be wrong with them. These must have come from a bad batch, because they absolutely did not bloom in March/April like all the rest of the azaleas in Augusta. And let me tell you, there are a lot of azaleas in Augusta in spring time. I mean, everywhere you turn, beautiful pink azaleas accent the landscapes of most businesses and homes. So, every time I beheld their beauty somewhere else, I became more and more frustrated with their failure to bloom in my own yard.

Without further ado, we decided to get rid of them. We did resolve to leave the outside two just for esthetics and symmetry. They added the height and greenery needed for the a well-balanced flowerbed.  But at this point, my flowerbed was in desperate need of some splashes of color; and those azaleas…had failed to fulfill their purpose.

So, we pulled the two middle bushes up; but didn’t throw them away. We planted them in the wood line behind our house. (Never throw away a seed.)

Temporary Blooms

Soon after, I went and bought some nice seasonal flowers, or annuals as they are called; to replace the spots where the middle bushes once were. Annuals, as the name suggests, have to be planted annually; while perennials return each year on their own. I added a little splash of yellow and orange marigolds; which are supposed to be natural insect and rodent repellents. They are rich in color, but are apparently bitter in taste and give off an aroma that is detested by pests. Anyway, I love dual-purpose anything; so, we went with it. The outside bed was beautiful. Just the curb appeal I was looking for.

Blooming Season

Then, what would happen!?!? I came home one day and the two remaining azalea bushes had white blooms on them. What!?!?! White blooms?!?! But it’s June! AND WHY ARE MY BLOOMS WHITE?

Well wouldn’t you know it…as I would learn…pink azalea flowers bloom in March and April…but white azaleas bloom in June. And then it came to me…

I was looking for my blooms to come when everyone else’s did, not realizing I didn’t even have the same type of flower.

And even when my flowers were blooming, because they didn’t come when I had expected them to…I completely overlooked them.

Yes, not only were my azaleas in bloom in my front flower bed for all my neighbors to see, but so were those two miniature ones we had replanted in the wood-line behind our house; though they would now only be seen by the squirrels, deer, birds, and other unknown creatures that visit there. They were adding their splash of color to the wooden landscape of nature.

Blooming Thoughts

I was convicted by the thought…that nature in this moment reflected life. That sometimes we give up on ourselves and others because we or they don’t bloom when expected. At times, comparing or anticipating the blooming season to be in line with someone else’s bloom. But just like white and pink azaleas don’t bloom at the same time, even though they are from the same species of flower; likewise, humans don’t bloom, mature, or come into their own when everyone else does.

We, like plants, must stay rooted…continuing to receive the proper [Son] exposure; which in turn provides us with [living] water and helpful pruning. We can’t just uproot because our bloom is not in alignment with everyone else\’s. And we definitely can’t allow ourselves to be uprooted by others who overlook our potential to still bloom; or who want to replace us with people (or things) who possess only \”seasonal\” value.

No, whether our bloom be seen by many, or if its just a reflection for a private few; our bloom is purposeful and it’s significant.

Continue to bloom…wherever you’re planted. And allow others to do the same.

The bloom WILL come…in it’s right season. ~Dawn

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