SPREAD YOUR WINGS AND FLY! SOAR

[Carol Anne Kincaid~Paradis]

Planting Potatoes

When I was a boy growing up we had several gardens around our old house. The largest one of all was used just for growing potatoes.

I can still remember those potato planting days. The whole family helped. After my Dad had tilled the soil, my Mom, brothers, and I went to work. It was my job to drop the little seed potatoes in the rows while my Mom dropped handfuls of fertilizer beside them. My brothers then covered them all with the freshly turned earth.

For months afterward I would glance over at the garden while I played outside and wonder what was going on underneath the ground. When the harvest time came I was amazed at the huge size of the potatoes my Dad pulled out of the soil. Those little seedlings had grown into bushels and bushels of sweet sustenance. They would be turned into meal after meal of baked potatoes, mashed potatoes, fried potatoes, and my personal favorite: potatoes slowed cooked in spaghetti sauce. They would keep the entire family well fed throughout the whole year. It truly was a miracle to behold.

Thinking back on those special times makes me wonder how many other seeds I have planted in this life that have grown unseen in the hearts and minds of others. How many times has God used some little thing that I said or did to grow something beautiful? How many times has Heaven used these little seedlings to provide another’s soul with sweet sustenance?

Every single day of our lives we step out into the garden of this world. Every single day we plant seeds that can grow into something wonderful. We may never see the growth that comes from the kind words or loving acts we share but God does. I hope then that you always tend the garden around you with care. I hope that you plant only goodness, peace, and compassion in the lives of everyone you meet. I hope that everyday you help miracles to grow.

By Joe Mazzella

If blooming where you are

 planted seems too tall an

order right now, just stay

where you are  until the

winter passes and you are

able to bloom again..

What Does “Bloom Where You Are Planted” Mean?

 

“Bloom Where You Are Planted” can mean various things.

1. To be fruitful, blossom, become all you were created to be.

2. Make the best of what you have - even when life throws lemons at you.

3. Do what’s right, even when it’s hard.

Each has their place and time.

1. Be Fruitful

Saint Francis de Sales (1567-1622), when he was the Bishop of Geneva is recorded as saying this:

“Truly charity has no limit; for the love of God has been poured into our hearts by His Spirit dwelling in each one of us, calling us to a life of devotion and inviting us to bloom in the garden where He has planted and directing us to radiate the beauty and spread the fragrance of His Providence.” (emphasis mine)

As you can see, it’s not a direct quote of the idiom but carries its meaning. I believe the words of St. Francis de Sales were inspired by words in the Bible. In the book of Genesis. After God created Adam and Eve, He blessed them and told them, “Be fruitful and multiply; fill the earth and subdue it” Gen. 1:28

Scripture and other writings such as these encourage us to be all God has made us to be. I think it's exciting to continually look within and get a sense of "what's next?! What is it that is calling out to me at this point of my life? What more do I want to do? See? Experience?"

2. Make the Best of Life

Using the phrase in this way encourages resilience. Sometimes life is hard. Geez, I think we would all agree that the last two years have certainly shown us this! Things don’t always go according to plan. Even in less than wonderful situations, we have control over how we respond. Blooming where we are planted is to make the choice to respond in a positive manner. It’s in agreement with another familiar phrase about making lemonade when life throws you lemons.

3. Do What’s Right

Doing what’s right when it’s hard is — hard! Speaking up for something when you see a wrong being committed. Moving a thousand miles away even when you are unsure if it's the best decision. Leaving a job or relationship.

Blooming where you are planted doesn’t mean you can’t improve yourself.

There are times to bloom where we are planted, and times for us to be transplanted so we can bloom even better elsewhere.

Follow your heart and your intuition. It is the spirit within speaking to you.

Love you!

Your Purpose.... The day you discover your purpose never comes a day too late. It will take you by surprise and completely change your fate. The life you had been living may no longer have appeal.

 

You've reached the understanding that in order to truly live, you are going to have to do more than think, love and feel. You are going to have to take action. What are your dreams? What are you passionate about? Have you asked yourself these questions? Are you tired of living in doubt, or it is that you are just delaying your dreams until you feel more comfortable with making those changes? When you want a life that is filled with purpose and meaning and there is no time like the present. 

 

Make a plan...write it down and work your plan. Bring your dreams into reality. Your soul has finally found its calling. You will not live your life in the shadow of your true self any longer. It's like the light switch has finally been switched on. You're full of possibilities, positive energy and expectations.   The reasons have all changed now, the goal is crystal clear: This moment is the only thing that's certain, the time to change is now.

 

Today you have decided that your dreams are yours to realize. Your wings are ready, it's time to fly and with this new found hope you take the leap.Spread your wings and fly... Happy New Year! ..Blessings and Love...Carol Anne....