THRIVING…ALONG THE RIVERBANK
As my wife, Bonnie, and I transitioned into a new life in South Carolina, we made a sincere effort to discover the adventure inherent in our new surroundings…to explore a new living environment, not only geographically, but culturally as well. We’ve been fortunate enough already to enjoy spectacular Fall scenery, make new friends and acquaintances, and invited into a new church family. We feel a sense of THRIVING…a feeling of prosperity that is very encouraging, exciting and comforting quite honestly.
This sense of THRIVING reminds me of our Texas Red Star hibiscus plant back in Willis, Texas. We purchased the Red Star several years ago from our local nursery while landscaping our backyard. We planted the hibiscus in a brand new like-sized ceramic pot and it flourished wonderfully that first spring and summer…and the following seasons as well. After two years, it became obvious that the Texas Red Star needed replanting…its root system having outgrown its existing pot…doubling the number of its Texas-sized bright red blossoms! Not surprisingly, it flourished those next seasons as well and, as anticipated, was ready for yet another transplanting.
I handled this one differently, however, trying to anticipate where it might THRIVE and flourish best in our backyard. It was definitely worth the extra time and effort…producing probably over one hundred giant red blossoms through three different blooming cycles its first spring and summer planted in its new home. It was overwhelming…something I never would have imagined!
And so, it occurred to me that it just might be good…and timely…to look at my own life and determine if I am THRIVING where I am living (and planted)…where I live in community with others…where I attend church and gather with others. Or, was it time to be “transplanted”? Am I flourishing and prospering in the place where I have chosen or where my Creator has planted me? Or have I outgrown or become almost dormant in my current surroundings, i.e. pot, for any number of reasons…some perhaps of my own doing? It’s not a command or requirement that says, “sorry…enough time spent here…time to change and move on”…but more of a prompting…and invitation…to take a closer look and make sure I’m in a healthy environment…physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually. If not, what can or should I do about it? What does my Creator have planned? How can I pray for some assistance and encouragement in “transplanting” myself if that becomes necessary?
My favorite bible verse during an incredibly difficult time in my life…one that lasted almost two years…was written by Jeremiah and sustained me daily during this challenging, yet necessary, transplanting. “For I know well the plans I have in mind for you” says the Lord; Plans to prosper you and not harm you” declares the Lord; “Plans to give you hope and a future.” Notice…He doesn’t just casually mention it…He DECLARES it!
And He was correct…hope was answered and fulfilled in way unimaginable…like the Texas Red Star…and that future is here now! As I came upon this scene at the conclusion of a two-day adventure driving the Blue Ridge Parkway during peak Fall color, I knew…indeed…believed and trusted God that I had been transplanted along the riverbank where we could THRIVE and prosper during this Fall season of life.
From the very first psalm…”They are like trees planted along the riverbank, bearing fruit each season. Their leaves never wither, and they prosper in all they do.”
There is a harvest of fruit and blessing in ours and everyone’s future. Are we open and willing to be transplanted by our Creator should that become necessary? Are we ready…much less prepared?