May Mantel

BLOOM Where You're Planted
Side note: I really love having the kids do the
lettering on the smaller signs.
They do such a good job and we get 4 different "fonts"!
Sun- Ammon
Air - Me
Water - Caleb
Soil - Haleigh

In any situation we may be in we will grow.
HOW we grow is the true lesson.
Hopefully we will not only grow but BLOOM in the process.
For a plant to grow and thrive it needs four elements.
-Sun - Air - Soil - Water-
We can apply these four elements to what we in our own lives
in a myriad of ways.

It has been invaluable for me to realize that there is a difference
between things artificial.
and things real.

Artificial blooms can be beautiful.
They require little to no maintenance and
do not require water, air, soil or sun to continue
in their 'beautiful' state.
BUT they do not grow!

Real plants and blooms require constant maintenance.
They require planting, supervision, watering and pruning.
The plant grows, blooms and is beautiful.
Through time the blooms fade and need to be cut off
so fresh, new blooms can grow.
Real things are constantly changing because of growth.

I have learned to be patient with my everyday life
when it is not always "blooming".
I try to remember that my life is a living thing,
requiring constant maintenance, nurturing care
and even a bit of pruning.
Opportunities will come, bloom and then be gone.

In each of life's opportunities I tell myself.
"Bloom where you're planted,
through just doing the best that you can and
taking the time to nurture what you have been given."