A friend of mine used to operate a ranch in the Owyhee desert south of Boise, Idaho. Once when I was visiting his old homestead he pointed out a gnarled juniper tree, the only one in sight. You wouldn't travel very far to see it and it wasn't much to look at, but it was doing its job—providing shade for a cow or two. My friend said that it was the best illustration he had ever seen of the principle: "Bloom where you're planted."

His analogy made me think of another rancher I used to know who lived near Lometa, Texas. He knew everyone in town—called them by name and knew what was happening in their lives. He would stop and ask about a sick child or an ailing marriage, and then he would offer a word of encouragement and prayer. He didn't force his faith on anyone, but its influence lingered wherever he had been. He had about him "the fragrance of Christ" (2 Corinthians 2:15).

We can have that same fragrance wherever we go, as we quietly manifest Jesus' love. Even if no one acknowledges our efforts, God sees and knows.

So don't be discouraged. Never give up. Bloom where you're planted. What you do has eternal significance in God's eyes.  —DHR  — David H. Roper