Meant To Bloom!

May 1st is celebrated by some as "May Day" by giving flowers. Flowers are beautiful. My wife and I recently joined with others for a day trip to a tulip festival. We saw so many sizes, varieties, and vibrant colors of just tulips. But how do tulips begin? What is placed under the dirt from which these flowers grow? An ugly bulb! Yes, there is really nothing even remotely attractive about it. Who would think that from such a thing would come such beauty? As the sun's ray's warm the ground, transformation takes place. People who buy the bulbs have faith it will happen. To encourage that faith, bulb packaging usually has a picture of what that particular bulb will become. What it is meant to be is contained within.

Wouldn't it be nice to look at people and be able to see what it is they can become? Since we do not have that capability, we must be careful we don't view others as if there is no potential for beauty in them. We don't always know what is within a person. They may not look like much on the outside and perhaps have some ugliness about them (i.e. the manner in which they are presently living). However, when nurtured under the power of God's SON, BEAUTIFUL TRANSFORMATION can take place.

Recounting his conversion in his letter to the church at Galatia, Paul wrote. . .

"(22) And I was still unknown in person to the churches of Judea that are in Christ. (23) They only were hearing it said, 'He who used to persecute us IS NOW PREACHING THE FAITH HE ONCE TRIED TO DESTROY." ( Galatians 1:22-23 ESV)

As he had stood by holding the coats of those who stoned Stephen ( Acts 7:58), who would have seen Saul (Paul) as a potential Christian? At that point he most likely did not even remotely see that possibility himself! On the road to Damascus, coming under the light of the Son ( Acts 9:3-4), Paul soon became what he had gone to persecute; a disciple of Jesus Christ.

That potential for becoming BEAUTIFUL IN CHRIST is in all who will allow it to happen. Therefore, as we look at others, let us strive to encourage them toward that end. To REMAIN BEAUTIFUL ourselves, let us continue to "grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ" ( 2 Peter 3:18) as we bask in the warmth of His love. Though the flowers eventually wither and their beauty fades, with everlasting life in Christ, ours will continue to flourish.

Have a great day BLOOMING WHERE WE HAVE BEEN PLANTED!
Carl

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