Rev. Ray and Pat Amos
Hosea 14:5
THOUGHT FOR TODAY, November 15, 2019
“He shall blossom like the lily”
It is hard to believe that we are already into the middle of November? Trees are making themselves bare in order to flex their limbs and say “Come right ahead” to the winter snows. Neighbors are exchanging leaves as the winds blow through town; and there are still a few resilient flowers that are refusing to go gently into that good night.
The pansy is a flower that is an example of the kind of meekness that inherits the earth. It doesn’t stand tall or offer a sweet fragrance, yet it breaks through rocks, endures freezing weather and blooms with a smiley face. It is more likely to be stepped on than gathered for a bouquet, but it doesn’t seem to mind. Neither does it refuse to bloom if its place is where no one can see it but God.
We have heard the expression, “Bloom where you are planted,” and we can. Some of the most beautiful people on earth are living in difficult situations. Others are isolated and lonely, but still smile and speak with the kindest voice.
Pat and I had a friend who once told us that she came upon a beautiful orchid as she walked in the forest. She was enthralled by the fact that it was not blooming for human applause, but for the pleasure of God alone. She didn’t realize how much we thought of her as a beautiful flower in our life.
Jesus became our beautiful rose of Sharon and Lilly of our Valley. He bloomed in a manger, a fishing boat, on a hillside, or wherever he was. The bloom wilted on a Friday cross, but in splendor it broke through the rock on that Sunday morning.
An old song says, “Each soul is a flower in the Master’s bouquet,” and then it continues to say. “We’ll be gathered together someday; transplanted to bloom in the Master’s bouquet.”
Grace and Peace, Rev Ray
Link to Youtube – The Master’s Bouquet
