“My mission in life is not merely to survive, but to thrive; and to do so with some passion, some compassion, some humor, and some style”—Maya Angelou.
I was impatient before I was born (two weeks early). Fortunately, the Lord (and life) has softened the edges of this particular flaw. I have quite a few more in the works, so it’s obvious, I’ll never be perfect this side of heaven.
Impatient people tend to prefer instant gratification. Maybe that’s why I enjoy painting a room or planting flowers. Immediate results. The idea of planting bulbs in the fall for blooms in the spring never appealed to me.
But then every year in early spring, I would spot beautiful daffodils popping up everywhere and vow to plan ahead the next year. Sad to say, this cycle went on for a decade.
Finally, this past fall, I made it a priority to purchase tulip and daffodil bulbs. That’s just a first step. The second is to actually get them in the ground. I did manage to plant the daffodil bulbs, but the tulips never made it out of their package. A little progress is better than none, right?
A couple of weeks ago, I was organizing my gardening supplies and came across that package of tulip bulbs tucked behind a bag of potting soil. Regret was my first emotion. Why didn’t I take what little time necessary to plant those bulbs? Instead, I’d wasted the money and lost out on the joy of seeing them bloom.
However, shock and amazement soon followed.
I did a double-take to be sure I wasn’t hallucinating. Every one of those ten bulbs had sprouted! No water. No soil. No sunlight. And yet, they not only survived, but they were thriving.
Meanwhile, the bulbs I planted last October haven’t brought forth even the tiniest bit of green, although daffodils have been shooting up for a couple of weeks everywhere else. They might still survive, but they certainly aren’t making a splash.
Those flower bulbs remind me of a metaphor for life.
We all have an innate will to survive, regardless of what difficulties we face. I know a couple of preppers who are more prepared than I’ll ever be if the world comes to an end before Jesus returns.
Survival is good, but how many of us are flourishing in our Christian faith?
The Merriam-Webster online dictionary definition of THRIVE is to progress toward or realize a goal despite or because of circumstances; to grow vigorously (flourish).
Of course, there is a second definition as well: to gain in wealth or possessions (prosper). Sounds like a worldly definition, doesn’t it? Amassing money and possessions is probably what many see as success.
Jesus wouldn’t agree.
Thriving in our walk with Jesus doesn’t always look pretty. In fact, it can appear downright boooring. Just the other day, I told my husband if our lives were made into a reality television show, we’d get canceled by episode two.
It can also get downright ugly. We’re called to take up our cross daily and follow Jesus. His crucifixion was anything but pretty.
However, as long as we are walking out what the Lord calls us to do, we’re thriving. It might not look like much to outsiders, and often it won’t feel like much to us, but reconsider that first definition—we’re to grow vigorously despite or because of our circumstances. Just like those forgotten tulip bulbs.
We can only thrive as we’re meant to when God is at the helm.
What does this look like practically? I don’t know about you, but unless I am in the Word daily, praying constantly, and seeking God’s wisdom, I can do nothing of value for Him.
The quote, “Most men live quiet lives of desperation,” came to me the other day. Until I looked it up, I wasn’t aware that it originated with Henry David Thoreau. His original quote was, “The mass of men lead lives of quiet desperation, and go to the grave with the song still in them.”
Regardless of the controversy these words may instill, or Thoreau’s intent behind them, I see this as a common tragedy in many of our lives. If we’re not living out what God calls us to, we are not fully living. Our song (or God-given gifts) will go with us unto death.
Imagine facing Jesus on judgment day and realizing He had so much more for us if we’d only had eyes to see and ears to hear. Our joy cannot be complete when we live for ourselves.
I Corinthians 6:19 says, “Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own.”
Let me repeat for emphasis: “You are not your own.”
I have to remind myself of this often when I’d rather ditch the work He’s put before me and do something that requires little mental stimulation, like planting flowers or painting a room.
Remember the parable of the talents in Matthew 25:14-30? The Lord has given us all gifts with which to honor Him. There is not one person who calls Jesus Lord who does not have gifts we’re expected to use for His glory.
I fear doing anything less will be not only a disappointment to the One who created me but will also keep me from experiencing the blessings He has for me in the process.
If you don’t know what path your walk should take, ask the Lord. James 1:5 assures us If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you. But don’t wait too long. The days are short, and the laborers are few.
Maybe this song by Casting Crowns will be as much an inspiration to you as it is to me.
