Christian Living

---

The smallest flower, so feeble and hidden among the greater flowers of the garden, was often overlooked by the passerby. Daily it would gleam the nourishing rain from off the other flowers. It would stretch to reach the warmth of the sun from between the greater giants of the field never once knowing the loving protection the giant’s presence provided.

Slowly and reservedly this little flower grew. Its color and beauty too dull to be noticed among the other bright vibrant flowers, but it was there. Ever growing, ever stretching, and ever reaching. Reaching for a place in the garden where it solely received a clear path of rain and sun. It’s smallness ever present in its outward appearance. As small and unlovely as the flower seemed this never deterred the flowers desire to receive the fullness of the unobstructive radiance of the sun, the clear freshness of a summer rain or the early morning dew.

The life long struggle of this flower produced an inner strength and beauty. Though never picked for display by the gardener it served as a tower of strength and encouragement for the other newly found buds. The buds who struggled in the darkest of places, those left in the shadow of others, and those who seemed unlovely.

The older flower would whisper words of encouragement and strength. It would capture the harsh beating rain and shelter the newer buds from its onslaught. It would gingerly drip the freshness of the rain on them so as not to overwhelm their weaken structure. The older flower would cover them from the harsh rays of the sun, yet allow the blessed beams of light to penetrate and rest upon the strongest parts of their limbs. The older flower would shield the younger bud from the strong and mighty winds, protecting it.

I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with loving kindness. Jeremiah 31.3 Thank you Lord for allowing me the privilege of growing in Your garden, of learning to look for and desire the fullness of Your love. Lord, may I always be what you would have me to be; one full of love and tenderness, one full of strength and inner beauty, one who knows the mighty gifts You have granted. May I always be willing to share your love with those around me. May Your tender mercies forever fertilize the life in which I live that I may grow and be worthy to be used by You and for You.

By Tracy Roberts
November 9, 2006

---

PLEASE ENCOURAGE AUTHOR BELOW LEAVE COMMENT ON ARTICLE