Backyard Applications to Life #2: Steel Magnolias (aka "Bloom where you're Planted")

Standing at the kitchen sink, we’ve got the perfect view of a teeny Magnolia tree. We have several in our yard, but this particular one is “special.” She has a unique, seemingly random beginning.  A few years ago, following a storm – I noticed a branch from one of our older Magnolias had randomly fallen and was sticking straight up, out of the ground. It’s not a spot we’d walk normally, so the only time I thought about it was on occasion as my eyes and mind wandered while cleaning the kitchen. With the intention of removing the branch (somewhat an eyesore)  from the soil and adding to our kindling – I was shocked to discover the branch had grown a random leaf. Intrigued that a displaced, windblown, solitary branch would actually breed new life - I decided against disturbing the peculiar placement. "Fast forward", 2-3 years later and our little renegade Magnolia is taller than me. “She” is perched between a young, skinny oak and a pine tree that stands several stories above our rooftop. This strange trio is definitely not part of our landscape design – but serves as a reminder of our ability to thrive if we cooperate with our own "providential placement." This little tree reminds me of my own life….and friends of mine can probably also relate.

I had a plan… a five year plan, a ten year plan, etc. When I graduated from high school, I intended to get my degree in four years, establish a career, get married around 25-26, start a family consisting of 2 children around 30, stay home and bake cookies until they were grown, etc. That “was” my plan. Instead – at 26 I was married – twice, and with three children. Interestingly, this has worked out SOOO much better than my own forecasted life map. I’m so grateful that God didn’t give me the life I wanted, but instead He orchestrated something so wonderful I didn’t know TO want it.


For several years, I thought “Bloom where you’re Planted” was just a cutesy Mary Englebreit phrase. (Attributable to the refrigerator magnet.) Now, it’s obvious that this phrase illustrates a philosophy authored by God. Throughout scripture, there are countless examples of people in unforeseen circumstances – who, because they “bloomed” where they were appointed – glorified the Name of God . (Joseph, Esther, David, Mary…the list goes on and on.)

For us today, we may find ourselves in a situation that we never dreamt a reality for us: We may be single; dealing with illness or loss; a prodigal child(ren); broken relationships; financial restraints, etc. We ALL have something we’re dealing with. Life may seem “perfect” for some – but if you could get an unfiltered look below the surface – blemishes would surely be visible.

Instead of whining, comparing, and longing for a life that isn’t ours – we should focus on the many blessings we HAVE been given. Let’s face it – if we are reading a blog post – at a minimum, we have sight; ability to read and comprehend. We have many modern conveniences and protection against the elements. Just this short list makes us incredibly more fortunate than most of the world's population. An attitude of contentment is beautiful….and magnetic.

Perhaps you’re not where you had hoped to be right now. Maybe you’ve experienced a backslide due to decisions you wish you could reverse. Wherever you are, do all that you’re doing with a spirit of excellence. Instead of dwelling on your own “issues” – make it a point to love others. Pray and encourage those God brings into your life. Sometimes, your own, unique God story is the best way to encourage another.  We all have one.

Wherever we find ourselves "planted", we ought to seek God’s perfect will for our life and follow the plan HE has for us…for His plan is to give us a future and a hope. (Jer 29:11) We should wake up each day – grateful for our own breath, for the opportunities that await us, and even for the challenges we’ll face which will ultimately make us stronger – able to “bloom” in the most unlikely of places.

Maybe “Steel Magnolias” is more than just a great movie title….
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For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope. (Jeremiah 29:11)

Blessed is the one who does not walk in step with the wicked or stand in the way that sinners take or sit in the company of mockers, but whose delight is in the law of the LORD, and who meditates on his law day and night. That person is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither— whatever they do prospers. (Psalm 1:1-3)

Only let each person lead the life that the Lord has assigned to him, and to which God has called him. (1 Corinthians 7:17)

Blessed is the man who trusts in the LORD, whose trust is the LORD. He is like a tree planted by water, that sends out its roots by the stream, and does not fear when heat comes, for its leaves remain green, and is not anxious in the year of drought, for it does not cease to bear fruit." (Jeremiah 17:7-8)

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