As a gardener, I can have the top of the line sprinkler system, and supplement with tender loving hand watering, but both my baby seedlings and mature plants react the same to a rain shower. They reach up and out in their eagerness to grow: shooting out tendrils, sprouting out more leaves, and prolifically popping out buds. Enthused blooms will suddenly appear overnight keenly excited about showing off their outrageous spring finery under a refreshing April shower!

I can’t help but compare this phenomenon to our own lives. We rock along, receiving nourishment and encouragement from accolades after doing a good job, accomplishing some goal, or meeting someone’s expectations. All this is good enough for a mediocre life. We are existing and surviving. The splendor, pizzaz, and unadulterated joy come after receiving nourishment, showers of blessing, from our Heavenly Father. It’s then that we genuinely grow and shine, showing our true potential, blooming avidly where we’re planted.

Are you blooming outrageously or merely existing?