Moving On Tips

Bloom From Within

(Adapted from After the Boxes Are Unpacked by Susan Miller)

Are the spring bulbs blooming where you live? As a mover, you are very much like a one of these bulbs. When planted, you lie dormant for a season until you put down roots. Then your sprout begins to appear above the earth, and finally, you bloom. I suspect that during this move, you've given priority to everyone else in your family, leaving your own sprouts to look pretty wilted. Let's pick off the dead leaves and flowers and give you the opportunity to bloom.

Become your best through the fragrance of your life.
"...in Christ, God leads us from place to place in one perpetual victory parade. Through us, he brings knowledge of Christ. Everywhere we go, people breathe in the exquisite fragrance. Because of Christ, we give off a sweet scent rising to God, which is recognized by those on the way of salvation-an aroma redolent with life." (2 Cor. 2:14-15). When you walk around carrying the aroma of Christ, people will be drawn to you. What will make you different in your community is not that you are new in town, but that the fragrance of Christ surrounds you. You will be known not only by how you bloom, but by His fragrance that you wear.

Become your best through your uniqueness.
"...you formed me in my mother's womb.... Body and soul, I am marvelously made!" (Psalm 139:13-14). Isn't it great to know you are not made with a cookie cutter? You are an original! That's the very best reason to be yourself, love yourself, and be good to yourself! God made you unique because He wanted your bloom to be one of a kind, distinct from all the others.

Become your best through your beauty.
"One thing...I shall seek...to behold the beauty of the Lord" (Psalm 27:4). Christ is the creator of all beauty, both inside and outside. Your outer beauty is only skin-deep. It's the beauty from within that radiates in your life. I would rather see your heart than your hairdo. I'm attracted to what matters to you inside, rather than how you feel about your appearance. It is the indwelling beauty of Christ in your heart that allows your outer beauty to bloom. You are, in essence, God's bouquet to the world around you.

Here are 10 ways to help you "bloom" and to be a lovely fragrance to those you meet:

1. Try one new thing each day.

2. Don't compare.

3. When you meet someone for the first time, look her in the eyes, and give her a firm handshake and a smile.

4. Focus on being, rather than doing.

5. Seize the day!

6. Expect a positive outcome from your move.

7. Go to a park that has playground equipment and swing!

8. Walk as much as you can.

9. Count your blessings every day.

10. Eat right.