When I went to make my coffee this morning, I noticed my Brazilian wood plant — the one I call Groot because of the ornament on him — is still growing from just one side.

He’s developing a beautiful arm branch, but only one. By all accounts, there should be two by now.

Most folks would give up on a plant like that.
But I can’t.

All my life, I’ve collected broken things — toys, dolls, records… sometimes even people. Things that seemed useless or pointless to others always found a home with me. I’d turn them into art, merge them with something else, or simply let them be what they were until their value showed itself.

This little Groot reminds me that everything has value exactly as it is, even when it doesn’t quite match the catalog pictures of society.

That one arm?
It’s raised like it’s in praise.
And the smile in the bark makes me happy.

I believe God sees our imperfections with grace and purpose — I know He’s done that for me.

My seasons of brokenness and feeling like a misfit produced music, plays, and even this writing.

Periods of pain with purpose… feeling like a fish out of water… all converted into unique brands of joy.

So if you’re feeling a little uneven today…
a little out of the mold…
a little unlike what you thought you were supposed to be…
You’re not broken.
You’re just growing differently.

Now go raise that arm!

“…everyone who is called by My name,
whom I created for My glory.” — Isaiah 43:7

Love, Chelle