Learn how to bloom where you’re planted

• Article

"You have not chosen me, but I have chosen you and I have appointed you (I have planted you), that you might go and bear fruit ..."

— John 15:16 AMP

I noticed a large patch of bright red tulips growing between my garage and my next-door-neighbor's fence. It formed a beautiful bouquet of at least a dozen vibrant flowers.

Funny thing was, I didn't remember ever seeing tulips there before. I wondered who planted them.

One night I asked my husband if he knew anything about the mysterious tulips. He reminded me that a few years earlier he had dug up some weeds that were growing close to the house. He said he threw them in a large pile next to the garage and smothered them with some rocks. Then he doused them with some old paint thinner.

The only thing he could figure was the previous owners of our house must have planted some tulip bulbs in the soil he dug up and buried under the rocks.

Listening to his explanation, I thought how hardy those flower bulbs were to push their way through thick and thin to bloom under the conditions in which they were planted.

Life oftentimes plants unique circumstances. We can find ourselves in situations we're dissatisfied with. Wherever life has planted us today, we should pray and ask God to give wisdom and insight to use the situation for our good and the good of others.

To fulfill our purpose, we need to embrace change and challenge. We need to fight against all odds, like those hardy tulips.

• Annettee Budzban is a Christian author, speaker, life coach and nurse. Join her from 7-8 p.m. Thursday, May 16, at Panera Bread in Gurnee for "13 steps to make your dream reality." Due to limited seating, confirm your seats by calling (847) 543-8413 or email Annetteebudzban@aol.com