Have you heard the phrase “bloom where you are planted”? While my junior high art teacher had a plaque stating this in her classroom, I didn’t understand the phrase’s meaning until I was married to my farmer, Terry, for several years.

Our wedding scripture was Ruth 1:16 — “Where you go, I will go, and where you stay, I will stay. Your people will be my people and your God my God.” I espoused to the verse, but the transition from city to country life was difficult.

Terry was patient and grace-filled with my railing against the stark worship differences between his and my denominational upbringings, adjusting to living 8 miles from civilization (aka Walmart and Kroger), and two versions of immediate next-door neighbors.

For years, I chose not to bloom where I was planted.

Then, friends encouraged me to “get active in the community,” “find a women’s Bible study” and “pray for another farm wife to give me pointers.” Those were major touchpoints, even a healing balm for my lonely and isolated soul.

A pivotal moment came when a speaker at a Christian writers conference advised attendees to “write what you know.” What did I know? I knew a lot about Purdue University and Indianapolis. I knew how to write for tourism and higher education communities. Then an epiphany! I was living on a farm.

Blooming where I’ve been planted for 34 years has included embracing being an enthusiastic spokesperson and writer for agriculture, raising our daughters to embrace their farm heritage, and being a cheerleader for Terry’s ag leadership roles and farming passion.

The Word calls us to be content and grateful. Do you need to bloom where you’re planted?