Ready, Set... Bloom!

from April May 2023 Ellis County Living Magazine

Savoring Northern Spain

I feel that God put the powerful word “bloom” on my heart back in 2021. Intrigued with gardening, I embrace the symbolism in this word. Similar to watching and waiting for a plant or tree to bloom...sometimes “the wait” causes us to become discouraged or possibly give up hope. Have you ever wanted to give up on a situation, a person, or even yourself?

Striving to keep the condition of my own heart tender, like “good soil”, allows me to cultivate and encourage those around me to bloom! I’ve learned the value of nourishing our relationships in life...from significant others or spouses to families, friends, coworkers, and all the random folks we encounter daily in person or even online. How “sunshine and watering” with a smile, encouraging words or acts of kindness (1 Thess 5:11) can make such a beautiful difference in helping others bloom. Psalm 1:3 and Jeremiah 17: 7,8 speak of growing “roots by streams” and the importance of being firmly planted and continually refreshed. Many times we can assist in bringing a parched plant back to life when we refuse to give up on it. The goal to “rescue and revive” goes into action and it becomes a slow, caring, and intentional process. Being patient, teachable and balancing just the right amount of time, care, good soil, water, and sunshine is essential. Watching what was almost dead turn the corner to being healthy and flourishing again has been a lesson to me on loving others (and ourselves!) well. What may feel like “pruning”...loss or rejection...may actually be protection and redirection! Consider being someone’s “funshine”...a cultivator and encourager to uplift others or yourself...and watch for blooms!

Peace and blessings,

-Melissa

Galations 6:9

Melissa McBride | Publisher & Curator | Editor@living-magazine.com

Lindsey Keeney | Creative Director | Lindsey@living-magazine.com

Mary Crook | Art Director | Mary@living-magazine.com