Devotionals

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Blooms or needles, what will it be? Our frame of mind or outlook on life will determine the answer. Some see cups half full; while others describe it as half empty. A painting is seen through eyes of art lovers; one sees a sun rise; another is sure it must be a sun set.

Now our attention turns to a cactus. Will we focus on the painful sharp needles; or will we turn our eyes to the lovely blooms seen at certain times of the year? I have lived in south Texas in the past, where cactus is as plentiful as the lovely blue bonnets. To some cactus is a nuisance, while others see its hearty characteristics and use it for landscaping.

My birthday falls on or near Mothers Day and God gave me a special gift each year. The cactus always bloomed just in time for me to celebrate! Unless you have seen the colorful cactus flowers you can not truly appreciate their rare beauty. They are so delicate in comparison to the plant that grows them; and the colors are vibrant! The bright yellow is especially beautiful. It just seems to shout praise to the creator!

Our lives are viewed by others on a daily basis. Do they see painful sharp needles, causing them fear about getting to close to us? Are they drawn to a colorful life, displaying God’s hand of goodness? A cactus has no choice; it knows it is planted and secure. In the fullness of time it will bloom.

Bloom where you are and draw attention to the One who plants, nurtures, and prunes us! “The wilderness and the desert will be glad and the Arabah will rejoice and blossom; like the crocus it will blossom profusely and rejoice with rejoicing and shout of joy. The glory of Lebanon will be given to it, the majesty of Carmel and Sharon. They will see the glory of the Lord, the majesty of our God (Isaiah 35:1-2 NAS).”

Maybe we can not behold God’s glory in a cactus bloom every day; but we can always see Him in His cherished word!

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