“The righteous will flourish like a palm tree, they will grow like a cedar of Lebanon; planted in the house of the Lord, they will flourish in the courts of our God” (Ps. 92:12-13).

The flamboyant tree outside our kitchen window stretches its leafless branches beseechingly toward the leaden sky. It has been two weeks since the last rain, and before that, two months. The cracked earth cries out for water. It is the burning season in Thailand, the time of year when the rice stubble is torched in preparation for cultivation. The haze and smoke in the sky do nothing to temper the sun’s scorching rays. The farmers eagerly await the spring rains that will ready the ground for planting.

Sitting in front of the fan trying to endure the March heat until the sun goes down, my mind wanders. How is it that in this hot, dry season some trees and plants are wilted, some have dropped their leaves completely, and yet others seem to be thriving?

I look again at our flamboyant tree. Some of the flamboyant trees along the entry road to our village are in full bloom, while others remain leafless. What makes the difference? It must be something to do with water. Could it be that some trees can store water better than others? Perhaps they have more extensive root systems so they can access deeper sources. Whatever the reason is, it is not apparent to the casual observer.

People can be that way, too. On the outside they might appear to be average. But inside some seem to be equipped to deal with hardship well, and some do not. When things get tough, when blessings are not flowing their way, when things don’t go as planned, some begin to wilt or to lose their ability to fully do what they were meant to do.

Trees are meant to have leaves to capture carbon dioxide from the air and change it into life-giving oxygen. They must also have water and nutritious soil to do this. When they are thriving, they not only have leaves but also have flowers and fruit.

People were meant to be witnesses to all of the goodness of our creator God. However, they need the Holy Spirit and willingness to do this. If either is missing, they cannot do what God meant them to do.

Are you witnessing about God’s goodness to those around you? If not, what do you need to help you experience the joyful blooming of your witness? More time in God’s word? Additional quiet time listening to His voice? Why not seek that today? Bloom where you are planted.

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