Let me tell you about one of my daughter’s Primary teachers from a few years ago.
She would drive by our home every week and drop off a scripture activity.
She would say “hi” to my daughter at church.
She remembered every detail of their conversations.
She was the BEST.
And my daughter loved her!
Later, I learned that this teacher had served in many notable leadership callings in the church throughout her life.
Now, with her calling as a teacher to a group of three-year-old kids…
She planted herself.
She blessed the lives of so many people, including my own and my daughter’s.
I’ve been planted in a lot of places in my life.
I’ve been in different locations, wards, callings, jobs, friend groups, and schools.
Sometimes, it’s hard to be planted or “all-in” when I’m in a circumstance I don’t really enjoy.
I just think about what I’m missing, or how I know things could be better.
But I love that when the Lord told a few different families to move from Ohio to Missouri permanently, He said:
“And thus let those of whom I have spoken be planted in the land of Zion.” (D&C 57:14)
He didn’t want them looking backward, wondering when this would end.
He didn’t want them being envious of those who got to stay behind.
He just wanted them to be planted where they were.
When I put my roots down in whatever situation I may be in and decide to truly “plant” myself, I feel so much more peace, calm, and happiness.
But looking at my daughter’s Primary teacher has given me a new perspective on this, too:
When we plant ourselves well and embrace our current environment, we can better serve and love the people around us.
We plant our roots “all-in” where we are, bloom where we are planted, and help the other flowers grow, too.
“Whatever your calling, I urge you to see it as an opportunity not only to strengthen and bless others but also to become what Heavenly Father wants you to become.” – Dieter F. Uchtdorf
Happy Studying!
-Cali Black