We Can Learn A Lot From A Tulip

For Valentine's Day, my husband gave me a pot of red tulips. Over the start of the week, we watched the stems soar and the petals start to open to beautiful ruby cups, and I asked him to put the plant on top of the entertainment center, but to turn the blossoms away from the window. He asked why, and I explained that flowers will bend and each for the light source from where they are.

We began to talk about how we as Christians should always turn toward the light (seek God) ourselves. I hadn't realized how blossoms from most, if not all, plants really do mimic how we should lead our lives.

Just like anyone, flowers can begin in ideal environments, to hostile ones, seeds possibly scattered by the wind or a wayward bird, to a rocky, dark harsh beginning. These flowers could still flourish, if they stretch and reach for the light - seeking the warmth, comfort and nourishment it can provide.

There are many who, at whatever season of their lives, find themselves immersed in the darkness, with little hope. We need to remember to seek the light.

--if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land. 2 Chronicles 7:14

No matter how many times you turn a flower pot, the stems will begin to stretch back toward the light, bending the other direction over the days to follow. The determination and instinct is incredible. If our faith be as strong, our rewards will be great.

-- And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him. Hebrews 11:6

Anytime you feel the darkness creeping into your thoughts, your actions, just stop and smell the flowers and let them gently remind you to turn toward the light...always.