During the brisk winter months, our minds rarely wander to the idea of transplanting. Ironically, that is the perfect time to give the idea our time and attention. Typically, when we think of transplanting, we think of our home gardens. Planning ahead for our plants, flowers, and trees in the winter months provides far more opportunity for a fruitful and productive spring and summer harvest. But what about us? Do we ever consider if it’s time we make a change and prepare for a new season?
Just like a plant who may have outgrown their pot or their place in the yard, sometimes we outgrow the area we’re in. God infuses our hearts and minds in ways that exceed what our current surroundings can support. When God decides to grow us in a new way, He will also provide the resources and the people to help us with the growth. Have you ever tried to create a new habit only to be discouraged by those around you who didn’t value the changes you wanted to make? Or have you tried to learn something new but felt ill equipped by the lack of knowledge or resources around you? The people who love us most are often the ones who may be resistant to change and can accidentally stifle our growth.
Some changes feel harder because we are not planted in the right soil. We may not have the proper nourishment to support the growth we need. If we want to grow in our faith, it’s better to spend an evening in Bible study then watching reality TV. If we want to get in better physical shape, we should spend time at the gym and not at the corner bar with our friends. Sometimes, we have to physically relocate ourselves to accomplish the goal we have in our heart and mind.
The difficult thing about transplanting is that we focus on what we’re leaving behind instead of the benefits the change will bring. When we move a root-bound plant from one pot to another, we should gently loosen the roots a little before placing them in the bigger pot. This allows the roots to spread out, take in nutrients, grow, and ultimately thrive. Making changes to what we do and who we do it with may be uncomfortable at first, but quickly we will see the benefits of the transplantation and experience new growth. Wasn’t that the point to begin with?
The need for transplanting begins with a stirring in our heart and mind. If the thought keeps coming up, we need to talk with God and get confirmation. Then we must listen and follow through and the instruction He provides for the changes we want to make. But it doesn’t stop there! We need to continue to nurture the change. We wouldn’t transplant a flower into a new pot then stop watering it. We tend to it during the adjustment to the new space, encouraging it to thrive! The same is true with us. We must pursue the people and the practices that will help us to thrive in the changes we’ve made. When we allow God to move us from old soil, and are intentional in tending to new changes, we will see an amazing harvest!
Be blessed,
Jennifer
“Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.” Isaiah 43:18-19