Ready to Bloom...

As an educator I'm often reminded of this idea, "ready to bloom". So many students struggle in school because a concept, idea, or process is too difficult. This is normal and sometimes it's because he/she isn't willing to give the effort to try and learn something new but then there are times and kiddos that just aren't ready, it isn't there time to bloom.

This year I have the joy of working in the second grade. This is a fun year because most of our students are ready to bloom. Second grade is a transition year from "learning to read" in September and "reading to learn" in June. The average kid is ready to bloom and the reading, writing, math, and brain take off on adventures only halted by the student's willingness to explore. You can go anywhere, do anything, and be anyone when you read a good book.

For our students, this is difficult. As an adult you might not remember this time and think "It's so easy, why can't he/she just...", you fill in the remainder of the sentence. They can't because they might not be ready or they're afraid. We are JUST LIKE OUR KIDS!

There are situations and challenges in front of us as adults, everyday. We have a choice, we can face them head on or go through our laundry list of excuses of "why" we can't. BUT there are also times when it isn't our "time to bloom" because God isn't done with our learning curve or preparing us. On the flip side, often fear (just like a child) will prevent us from moving forward.

As an adult you have the ability to examine and determine what is holding you back. Is it an attitude or fear? Or is it that you, or God, just aren't ready for this next step? If it's fear or an attitude preventing you from achieving your dreams or goals then  face them head on and strive for it and move forward. It you have that gut feeling that "you aren't ready", then take time to pause and pray. 

Sometimes WE aren't ready but God is, God is ready for us to bloom but we let the fear and doubts become stumbling blocks and get in our way. It's a challenge to determine if it's fear or not our time, but when we take time to focus and reflect, it will become clear. This combined with prayer will lead you in a forward motion and who knows, you might realize it's your time to bloom and let go of the things and/or people holding you back.

What are you waiting for? 
Is it YOUR TIME TO BLOOM?