Thanks be to God who . . . through us diffuses the fragrance
of His knowledge in every place. - 2 Corinthians 2:14
A friend of mine used to operate a ranch in the Owyhee desert south of Boise, Idaho. Once
when I was visiting his old homestead he pointed out a gnarled juniper tree, the only one
in sight. You wouldn't travel very far to see it and it wasn't much to look at, but it was
doing its job - providing shade for a cow or two. My friend said that it was the best
illustration he had ever seen of the principle: "Bloom where you're planted."
His analogy made me think of another rancher I used to know who lived near Lometa, Texas.
He knew everyone in town - called them by name and knew what was happening in their lives.
He would stop and ask about a sick child or an ailing marriage, and then he would offer a
word of encouragement and prayer. He didn't force his faith on anyone, but its influence
lingered wherever he had been. He had about him "the fragrance of Christ"
(2 Corinthians 2:15).
We can have that same fragrance wherever we go, as we quietly manifest Jesus' love. Even
if no one acknowledges our efforts, God sees and knows.
So don't be discouraged. Never give up. Bloom where you're planted. What you do has
eternal significance in God's eyes.
-DHR
God has placed you here for a purpose,
Whatever it might be;
Know He has chosen you for it
And labor faithfully.
-Anon.
You are never in the wrong place to serve God.