As I prepare to ‘go home’ for a while, I’ve been reflecting on my attitude about ‘staying’ or ‘going’ when it comes to the Call of God. All my life I have seen the ‘going’ as the Higher Calling. Somehow I’m more special because I chose to Go. I think I have that air about me, don’t I – that somehow I’m better?? What do you think??
I’m realising more and more that the key is Obedience. Not so much ‘grow where you are planted’ (the age old excuse for staying put), but ‘Grow where God plants you’. Don’t put your roots down so deep in the Soil of Life that God can’t transplant you where He wants you to Grow. Better still, let God plant you in a Flower Pot, so you’re ready to Go whenever and where ever He sends you – whether that’s next door, to the other side of the tracks or the other side of the world.
It’s a real struggle for me to consider going home for an extended period. Logically, it seems like a step backward rather than forward. And yet, I pray and have peace. I know God is leading. I can even see some of the reasons why He is leading us in that direction. But I’m still struggling to let go of this Dream, even for a short period.
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| image credit: Decorating for Tranquility: Creating Your Perfect Home |
I am reminded of the analogy of the tree planted by Streams of Water (Psalm 1). It’s tall and sturdy. It’s roots are deep and strong (planted in the Soil of God, not the Soil of Life). I can’t help but think about it’s purpose. The tree isn’t there for itself. It’s branches reach out to provide shade. It helps create oxygen (life). It produces fruit for food. It’s a place of refuge, rest and refreshment. When the storms come, it stands tall, unmoved.
So, I will let God transplant me into a bigger Pot, and move me to the place where the Light, Soil and Water are just right. Where I can grow bigger and stronger, and provide more shade, rest and refreshment for the those that need it.
And as I am Obedient, I pray that He will get the Greatest Glory from my life.
The last message we listened to in Idaho was a call the church, 'America Needs You!' I guess America needs you too. I think I have always lived in a flower pot Anne. It's funny. Last year I was incredibly excited to be in Washington DC. I am content wherever I am but my heart longs to be with everyone in Tampa. The season is so short there. This year it is three months since I will probably be going to Malaysia! This little plant loves to go on adventures!
Very well said, and very true for so many. I find myself asking to be in the LORDs will, wanting to be in HIS will, but so resistant to change that when HE directs me to change i plant my feet like a child and refuse to budge, even though logically i kow its to better me and grow me, and i get so frustrated with my kids for the very same thing.
America Needs Me??? Gosh, I'm not sure about that… I think I might have had a word or two with that pastor if I had been there…
Lisa you are an inspiration to me. You're contentment, joy, transparent, genuine love, your adventurous spirit and obedience to God. It's nice to have a friend who understands this flower pot existence. I just wish that our pots were placed in the same area of the garden more often…
Thanks, Karen. I can totally relate. I keep trying to find ways to keep my time in the Garden of America as short as possible. But I'm slowly surrendering… I'm not sure that it ever gets any easier. Perhaps the periods of struggle just get a little shorter as you learn to say, "Not my will, but Yours be done".
Here's what Sean would have to say about America needing me…http://sanborns.org/word_press/?p=84