I am 29 years old, and I lived in Missouri for 27 of those years. Until recently, the phrase “bloom where you’re planted” never meant much. I knew when I moved to North Carolina that I might not live here a long time.

So I wasn’t interested in joining a new church, going out of my way to make new friends, or learning too much about the new town I was living in.

My husband talked to me about that outlook and helped me see how wrong it is. I should be doing what I can, where I am, with what I have.

I prayed about joining a church and getting involved. I also prayed about meeting new friends, without the fear of having to leave as soon as I started to get to know someone.

The Lord prompted me to do the things I didn’t want to do, and I’m glad he did, as I have now lived here for a little more than one year.

He has helped me realize that I can make a difference in a short amount of time and one can never have too many friends. I am getting better at being a military wife and not getting too anxious about the present possibility of a move.

Christy Blanchard

Southern Pines