Listening to music recently I found myself caught by one of the lyrics from Josiah Queen in his song ‘Garden in Manhattan’ and I realised that I want to be a flower in the concrete.
Each person should remain in the situation they were in when God called them. Were you a slave when you were called? Don’t let it trouble you—although if you can gain your freedom, do so. For the one who was a slave when called to faith in the Lord is the Lord’s freed person; similarly, the one who was free when called is Christ’s slave. You were bought at a price; do not become slaves of human beings. Brothers and sisters, each person, as responsible to God, should remain in the situation they were in when God called them. 1 Corinthians 7:20-24 (NIV)
The premise of the song is that we would grow where we are planted. Whether we are a magnificent garden in the city’s centre impacting hundreds, or a flower growing in the cracks along the footpath that brings a moment of joy to a few people walking past, we should embrace that role. In simple terms, we should be who we are, where we are, bringing the beauty of Christ to the people that we interact with daily.
This can look like greeting your neighbour, becoming an active part of a local community group. It can be sharing your life with the people around you, including how God has impacted your life. More than anything it is about being content with where you are and what your life looks like. A life with Christ at the centre no matter where you are.
Karla
Check out this song by Josiah Queen ‘Garden in Manhattan’