A Perfect Flower

A Perfect Flower
Tuesday, May 31, 2016 by Cathy Everitt

A perfect flower is almost…

I just watched a film. A middle-aged woman rejected being called “beautiful,” saying, “No, I’m not beautiful. I’m almost old.” The next day, her admirer told her he had meditated on her statement and realized “a perfect flower is almost old.”

When we see rosebuds and unopened gardenia buds, they show us a promise of beauty, but they cannot compare with the mature flowers that are almost old. My gardenias are making my home smell delicious right now. The slightly yellowed, already-old ones smell the best. They remind me of a promise God gave through His devoted follower, Paul. When he wrote his second letter to Corinthian believers, he said: God always leads us in His triumph, and manifests through us the sweet aroma of the knowledge of Him in every place.

I love remembering that as long as we have a pulse, we have a purpose. God is able to use us and shine through us. He can do it when we don’t feel shiny, and even when we feel almost-old or already-old. He is able to show His beautiful love, mercy, and grace through His imperfect followers. Let’s ask him to remind us how He’s done it in the past. How do you want to do it, through us, today, Lord?

Without His love working within us, our lives won’t smell great. We won’t look beautiful, no matter how much we spend on cosmetics. But when we get filled up with Him, the unsurpassed power of His love can flow through. He will reveal the beautiful fragrance of Christ through us, regardless of age or blemishes.

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Comments

JMTally From Tallahassee, FL At 6/7/2016 7:39:03 AM

The blog is lovely altogether! I am so blessed and yet, often find myself in one of those dark places - then I remind myself of all that HE has done for me and continues to do for me. Your blog helps me do that. Thank You.

Hannah May From Panama City At 6/1/2016 10:30:29 PM

Cathy, I absolutely love this blog, and your website. It is so perfectly YOU. You are a special treasure.

Lois Galbraith From PanamaCity, Florida At 6/1/2016 10:10:10 PM

Dear Cathy I needed to see this message today. What a nice way to think of aging gracefully. In Gods eyes we are all beautiful and important. Thank you for reminding me. Sincerely Lois

Susan Bégin From Ormond Beach FL At 6/1/2016 8:50:11 PM

Beautiful, Cathy. I look forward to reading more encouraging posts. Praying that your blog offers encouragement to others.

Ruth From PC At 6/1/2016 2:11:06 PM

Beautifully said, Cathy! I will be checking back with you for encouragement!

Sherry Anderson From Panama City, FL At 6/1/2016 12:38:12 PM

Thanks for the encouragement! You are a blessing.

Lisa Harris From Panama City Beach At 6/1/2016 11:34:04 AM

Thanks for reminding this ""almost old"" person that I''m still beautiful to the ones that matter :) I also like to take my roses, when they are getting old and dry them... then I can enjoy them for years longer.