314.Bloom where you are planted!

314. Bloom where you are planted!¹

People are always saying, "I wish I had that house across the street," or, "It is so much nicer to live in that other town."

We are never satisfied with the status quo. We always want what we haven't got. Maybe if everyone would be satisfied where they are and what they have, the economy would never move either, but I'm not quoting this proverb from a secular or materialistic viewpoint. Rather, allow me to reflect on the spiritual aspect of being satisfied with what I have, and what God has given me.

If everyone were to be happy with their state in life, I'm pretty sure there would be no wars; wars are begun when there is conflict. Conflict is the breaking down of the status quo.

We can bloom where we are planted and when we feel driven to proclaim God's Word - then with God's help, we will stir up souls! That's what we recommend as Franciscans, stir up souls, but do it at home first! In fact, start with your own family, then move outside of the family to your extended family, your colleagues on the job, acquaintances from Church (even if it seems you are preaching to the choir). People get complacent in their Faith. They are good people, and live holy lives, but they are not driven toward sharing God except perhaps within their own family.

God loves us so much ... however, because He loves us so much, He wishes that we excel, evangelize, get out of our own niche, and make HIM known to many, many more people, so that they can find Faith and Happiness in Jesus Christ!

Live patiently, frugally, politely, prayerfully, always loving sisters and brothers (regardless of religion and any other consideration), but spread it around. Do it gently, quietly, and as St. Francis would say "Use words if necessary!"

May God bless you and all our sisters and brothers!

Fred Schaeffer, SFO
09/24/2008

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(1) believed to be an Afghan proverb