Bloom where you are planted

This thought came to mind when I saw this beautiful white clematis peeking out behind the gorgeous red rose. The clematis was planted in front of the rose, this past year, and as vines will do, wrapped itself around the older rose for support during it's upward climb. The rose has been there for 5 years and has a strong root system. These are both such individual species of plants and together they symbolize such an incredible picture of relationships - the duality of our connectedness and our individuality. The clematis could have grown on it's own, but it wouldn't have been able to make very significant vertical growth without the strength and advantage of the rose's sturdy cane. It could have been scared of a thorn cutting into it's weak, green, stems. Instead, this flimsy new plant chose to lean on and complement the older rose, making it a friend and calling their common soil home. And so it goes with me... Fear and insecurity can keep me from blossoming where I am, especially when I see older, more beautiful and confident types of people around me. Rather than blooming where God has me, I can hide and whither, wishing I'd been planted somewhere else. I hear God calling me out of hiding and fear, so that He, the Son, will get the glory when His planted one blooms. And like the clematis in my garden, my weaknesses will be made stronger because of where I am planted and who I am planted by.

...and the livin' is easy

Summertime - it's supposed to be carefree and easy. Yesterday was like that and I loved it. After enduring an incredibly stress and conflict filled week last week, I have vowed to keep the rest of our summer from being polluted by such things. Usually after a week like last week, I come to my senses and realize that I am the one who is allowing, condoning, enabling the family to be overcome by all of the pressures from the "outside". So, I take a step back and remind myself of my responsibilities as the mom and manager of our household; of my vision for how our family is going to live; that I can say "no", I can say "yes", I can say"not right now", I can set limits and boundaries that other families might not have, and we can have fun-filled days rather than yucky ones. It's an interesting reality that we all live better with limits, because the limits give us freedom and space and relaxation. It's how the rest of our summer is going to be!! Just look at how relaxed Polly Pocket is - she had an easy-livin' day too!!!