A flower — whether planted purposefully or beginning from a seed blown and dropped into its location — will grow and bloom in its beauty whether it is noticed or not. That which blooms in a manicured yard will be noticed by those who visit. What blooms in the remotest area still stands the potential of being appreciated by the one who happens to pass that way.
Several years ago, as I was photographing along a river in our area, I jumped across some rocks to find a perch on a huge boulder in the middle of the river where I could take pictures of the water cascading over the rocks. But as I sat snapping pictures, I looked down, and there on the rock was a flower, all by itself, appearing to have grown right out of the rock. There had been just enough dirt accompanied by plenty of moisture to allow it to take root and grow. I almost missed it. And it is possible it had not been noticed by anyone else. However, it grew there. It did not have to have the eye of humanity on it to do what it was destined to do. It just grew and bloomed where it had taken root.
Do we have to have the eye of others to grow and bloom as God intended? For the beauty of consistent Christian character to reveal itself, do we have to be in view of others? Is the beauty of Christ only evident in our life when we are assembled with other Christians, or is it exhibited on a daily basis?
To Christians at Philippi, Paul exhorted. . .
“ (27) Only let your manner of life be worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you or am absent, I may hear of you that you are standing firm in one spirit, with one mind striving side by side for the faith of the gospel, (28) and not frightened in anything by your opponents. This is a clear sign to them of their destruction, but of your salvation, and that from God.” (Philippians 1:27-28 ESV)
As a flower will bloom just as beautifully in a remote place as it will in a planned garden — as it will do what it is given life to do whether there be many or few to appreciate its beauty — so we are to focus on fulfilling what we have been given life to do! May the beauty and fragrance of Christ (2 Corinthians 2:14-15) continually be displayed in our life!
Have a great day BLOOMING WHERE YOU HAVE BEEN PLANTED!
Carl
