God speaks through His creation…
Today I was walking merrily along a concrete path. I love to walk outside, listening to my Ipod. I’ve downloaded portions of the Bible, and can listen, pause and pray, listen some more, pause and pray and have a really good time with Jesus while I get some much-needed exercise, fresh air, solitude, and sunshine (when it’s available). Technology is amazing. Then, when I’m ready to shift into another gear, I find some great worship music, push play and go absolutely crazy, running like a loon down sidewalks, across fields, leaping, dancing and getting the victory!!! You really should try it, if you haven’t. It’s such a comprehensive spiritual and physical workout. Today as I meandered about at a decent pace toward the end of my walk, I found myself studying the beautiful flowers along the edges of the sculpted trail. Lots of green, glossy leaves framed the full, lush blossoms of God’s gorgeous roses. This one reminded me of someone in the prime of life - in their very best and most beautiful season. Strong, hearty, ripe, and fragrant. So much to give.
Then I came across this one. A brand-new, healthy and ready-to-burst-into-full-bloom red rose. Looks like she won the genetic lottery. Florists would prize this baby. Lovers send them regularly. This bud is full of promise. An entire future ahead just waiting to be realized. I can almost smell the fragrance to come….
Suddenly I came upon this tired soul. All the best of its strength used up in days gone by. Beaten by the winds, bludgeoned by life’s hard hits. No one will stop to smell this fellow anymore. About all that’s left are memories of what once was…
Which of these best describes you? Are you a new bud, with the bulk of your life ahead-all of life’s most important choices yet to be made-great promise just waiting to unfold?…Or are you in your absolute prime, with all of your best attributes shining already?…Soon, yes, sooner than you know, you will have spent the bulk of your life, and if so, will you be glad about how you spent it and what you spent it on? I’ve been spending a good amount of time in the book of James lately. Perhaps that’s why these flowers were speaking so loudly to me today…
“What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes.” James 4:14
“For the sun rises with scorching heat and withers the plant; its blossom falls and its beauty is destroyed. In the same way, the rich man will fade away even while he goes about his business…” James 1:11
Let’s spend our days wisely. This little rhyme is in my head…
“Just one life, twill soon be past; only what’s done for Christ will last.”