POSITION MATTERS: Shifting Perspectives

I have read the "Bloom Where You are Planted" slogans and smiled. They make inspiring T-shirt prints or refrigerator magnets but the reality of the sentiments requires more than just a positive mental attitude and a few deep breaths of determination or willpower.

My papaya trees are proof that location is absolutely essential for growth.

I planted all 4 seedlings in October; Two are several feet tall, 1 is half size and one hardly grew at all. In fact, it has just stayed the same height; neither dying nor thriving while its siblings have expanded rapidly.

Potential is not enough- the environment influences and impacts or impedes growth; so I dug up the seedling and transferred it to a new position. I expected a root ball or something more anchoring it downward but sadly found just 1 single tap root underneath; nothing else below the surface. It makes sense; no roots, no shoots!

I hope it survives the shift. The leaves are a bit droopy right now!

Perhaps it doesn't understand my intentions or what I was hoping for. Perhaps it was content in its previous patch, comfortable and complacent in living small. I hope it will adjust and realise it has the capacity for deep roots, wide branches and a fruitful canopy. I hope it will forget and leave behind minimal existence and raise itself to reach upward.... it was planted for something more.

Purpose is not a destination, a place to be found or a destination to discover. It is a journey growth process of living fully, and intentionally today; at this moment knowing who you are and why HE plants.

We survived 2022! We are still standing (by amazing grace!!) Our leaves are still green after a very difficult season; that is a positive! We made it......and we humbly give thanks!

BUT..... positioning is vital for this new season and many are being moved right now. The wilderness of surviving is over and there is underground movement.

New assignments, new locations, new environments, new directions....they are always about the root growth beneath as well as the upward reaching. Both are necessary for health and wholeness.

Roots and shoots!

It is time to shift to the fullness!