Bloom where you are planted

As I gaze at the calendar, I wistfully remember that ten years ago I started university. Oh, the memories which flood my mind of joyous celebrations, grand adventures and never-ending studying! My time at university was the happiest years of my life. As I scroll through my Facebook newsfeed, I see friend after friend living their dreams--family medicine, OBGYN, vascular neurology, pediatric pulmonology, rheumatology, etc., etc. It is surreal to think that despite my best efforts, God had a different plan for me. Despite my best efforts, my dreams have remained dreams.

At church on Sunday, the Pastor's sermon included the theme, "Bloom where you are planted." Wherever you find yourself, you are to be the best person you can be and allow God's light to radiate forth from you. This concept has often streamed through my head. As much as I desire to be on the other side of my medical case, I must be content--I must shine forth--while sitting in the hospital bed. With each person who comes through my door, I have an opportunity to be the light in the room. I have the chance to share God's love with the medical community.

Interesting things happen when you decide to bloom where you are planted. God uses you in special ways. Since days and nights are often long in the hospital, I often read lots and lots of Scripture. Many times, my nurse or respiratory therapist or even my doctor will ask what I am doing. "Oh, just reading the book of Isaiah from the Bible." Two things happen: either the person becomes very interested and askes me questions about my favorite verse, or the person suddenly becomes very uncomfortable and wants to run away. Whatever the outcomes of these encounters are, I know God is working in their hearts.

As much as I desire to be anywhere but in the hospital or to be anyone but the patient, I know God has placed me where He needs me to be. I must take great joy in this and allow myself to be watered daily with His Word...to allow myself to be the bright ray of hope in a medical system which is often plagued with dismal news and is filled with much sadness and sorrow. As much as I would love to be a flower in the midst of medical professionals solving other people's medical challenges, I must bloom where God has chosen to plant me...even if that means I will perpetually be a patient.

"Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths" (Proverbs 3:5-6).