Bloom Where You Are Planted

In prophecy given after the Babylonian exile, Isaiah promised that Israel's children would sprout up like trees in the grass, like poplars beside channels of water (Isaiah 44:4). Drawing on that imagery, I would suggest that God intends for all us to grow up in our walk with him. If you need a biblical proof-text, take Paul's "God wants us to grow up, to know the whole truth and tell it in love—like Christ in everything. We take our lead from Christ, who is the source of everything we do" (Ephesians 4:15 MSSG). If you prefer a source from outside the Bible, take the quote attributed to Francis de Sales, who said, "Bloom where you are planted." Grow up in Christ. Be real. Love yourself, and sprout up like flowers in the garden.