Motivational Monday - Full Potential

I knew the minute I saw this little tree, weeks before Christmas, that it was going to be our tree this year.  It wasn't growing in a good spot, as other trees were crowding it out and it would never grow to it's full potential.  So, mid December, I trudged through the snow, saw in hand to cut it down.   We enjoyed the little tree with it's spacious branches that held multiple ornaments, just maybe that was it's full potential.  After all, a tree that is chosen to be a Christmas tree, is pretty special.  As I took off the ornaments and started to take down the tree, Al said "we should put it next to the bird feeder."  What a great idea, it would provide a resting spot, shelter and even a wind break for the little birds who wait to eat at our feeder.  Yet again, this little tree had a new role.

Oh, how I enjoy watching all the birds at my feeder.  They love the tree.  One day I had; Cardinals, Blue Jays, Chickadees, Sparrows, Mourning Doves, Starling and a few squirrels.  They were all there at the same time around the feeder and sitting in the tree.  I would say, this little tree sure is reaching it's full potential.

This had me thinking about my Motivational Monday post.  You know, in life, sometimes we might not be planted in a good spot and we have things that prevent us from growing.  We might even have to remove ourselves from situations, evaluate relationships and make life changes that at the time seem harsh, but are necessary for our growth to reach our full potential.  If I would have left the little tree where it was, it would never grow tall, it would struggle to compete for what it needed to survive.  I am positive that in a few years time this little tree would surely die.  My cutting it down, choosing it to be our Christmas tree, might seem to have been harsh to some.  It was green, growing and showing signs of life.  However, it's future where it was planted wasn't good.  I knew it would be better for me to cut it down, enjoy it and let it be our Christmas tree rather than leave it to struggle and die within a few years.  

Just maybe, that is how we need to look at some of our trials.  Scripture tells me, "All things work together for the GOOD of them that love God, to them that are called according to His purpose"  Romans 8:28.  It's my desire to reach my full potential - spiritually and personally in all I do.  

In order to do so, we might have to do something harsh - cut ourselves down...become something else...make life changes that are hard, in order to reach our full potential.  Don't be afraid to do so.  I could do a whole long post about all the trials in my life over the years that have turned out to be a blessing.  These lessons have taught me, built up my faith in Him and His purpose for my life.  He knew, just like I did in cutting down this tree, that I had a greater purpose to fulfill and He is still working on me.  My goal is to look at every situation as an opportunity for me to reach my full potential.  

Whatever "harsh" decisions need to be made in 2017, I put my faith in Romans 8:28.  

Blessings from Ringle, Wisconsin.  

Linked to:  http://strangersandpilgrimsonearth.blogspot.com/2017/01/the-art-of-home-making-mondays-please_9.html