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Beautiful Things

“A flower does not think of competing to the flower next to it, it just blooms.” *Buddhist Proverb

One of my favorite God-winks are those out-of-season azaleas. I first noticed the anomaly in 2020-the year that changed so much of my life. In Florida, winter consists of frosty mornings melting into a comfortable sixty-six degrees, and ultimately has us shedding lightweight jackets in the humid, sunny afternoons. You would think that these delicate flowers would never survive-especially at my house-with the daily climate change. Still, every year since 2020, the blossoms have appeared at the most ironic times.

I am by no means a gardener. I’m not outdoorsy, nor do I remember to cultivate and nurture things that grow in the soil. Yet, these tender blooms show up just when God wants me to recognize His beauty in His world and in my life.

The irony of these flowers is the fact that they blossom in the spring season and virtually cover their limbs with bright pinks, fuchsias, and whites. The truth is they shouldn’t be blooming in January or February. The next hard freeze will likely take them out. But this always gives me pause.

What is God trying to do in my “out-of-season”? Allow me to be totally transparent for a moment. My initial call from God was to share my authentic faith. It’s not perfect. But in showing the world my vulnerability, perhaps others can see that being a Christian isn’t about perfection. It’s about turning over the things that keep me awake at night over to the one who gives me peace and rest.

I easily fall into the comparison trap.  It’s a personal flaw, and it’s sin when this comparison makes me strive to achieve what other women my age or younger are doing what I thought I was suppose to do. And I’m tired of living like that.

So I have to come back to heart of what God asked of me. He told me to be real and encourage. He didn’t call me to a book deal, although that may be in the works for the future. He didn’t specifically call me to speak, even though I feel confident that I have delivered His truth when the opportunity has been provided. I spent a season of learning about marketing and branding only to realize that it’s not time for me to market myself or the encouragement that I’m called to share. I may never hit the coveted 1.5K followers (although I’d love to reach 500). That’s okay because God knows who needs these words.

The Lord will work out his plans for my life— for your faithful love, O Lord, endures forever. Don’t abandon me, for you made me. (Psalms‬ ‭138‬:‭8‬ ‭NLT)‬‬

So in the bitterness of winter when these azaleas bloom, I’m reminded again of appreciating the beauty of where I have been planted. 

© Jill Cook and Unbroken & Undone Ministries.  All rights reserved.

 *Footnote: I do not practice Buddhism or follow Eastern mysticism in any form. I felt this quote, which I have seen on social media, was appropriate to the subject matter As a writer, I have a legal and moral obligation to cite the origin of borrowed quotes.

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