Putting down roots...

Yesterday evening, I was reading something about how to "bloom where you're planted"--which, of course, got the Carey Landry song by that title stuck in my head.  You know: the one from back in the 80s (my Catholic school days)?  I thought it would be gone by the time I woke up this morning; but thanks to my morning devotion, with its mention of sowing and harvesting, I was reminded again of the planting and, hence, the blooming. Oy.  In an effort to apply the idea and its meaning in my life (but mostly to eliminate the irritatingly repetitious lyrics of that song), I have been researching and reflecting all day.  People unfamiliar with their Bible might believe there is some Scripture associated with these words that compare human beings to blooming plants, but they'd be wrong.  Though there are passages in Scripture (more directly in some Bibles than others) that might be related in terms of the general idea expressed (i.e. Jeremiah 17:7-8, Psalm 1:3; Psalm 92:12-13), the words themselves are not actually in the Bible at all.  St. Francis de Sales (1567-1622) is probably responsible for inspiring the actual words; he is credited with stating the following:

"Truly charity has no limit; for the love of God has been poured into our hearts by His Spirit dwelling in each one of us, calling us to a life of devotion and inviting us to bloom in the garden where He has planted and directing us to radiate the beauty and spread the fragrance of His Providence."

St. Francis de Sales actually expressed this idea in a lovely and inspiring way.  I can certainly reflect more easily on blooming where I'm planted when it is presented in this context!

When I started blogging today, I was convinced that this post would be titled "Pulling Weeds" and that I would be rambling on about tending the gardens where my children are planted, so they can bloom and "radiate the beauty...of His Providence."  But I have found another way to apply this idea in my life as well...

Charity--basically benevolence and Christian love--can be practiced every day. We are each called to offer some form of charity to others.  We have the capacity for it because God swells our hearts with His love, that we might share it with those around us.  And I know so many to whom I can show charity right now.  I have been "planted" in the right here and now; now it is not only my time to bloom, but to put down some roots!  I already see the blessings that might radiate, from comfort for those who need it to building deeper friendships...  I KNOW it is gonna be awesome!!

I am always so amazed at the small, but profound ways in which God works!  The song that irked me so this morning has been made new to me, and sounds as if sung by angels!  "Bloom Where You're Planted" has become a mantra of sorts to help me fulfill my purpose--His plan--of putting down roots and growing in devotion while sharing God's love with those around me.

Amen to that!