Unexpected Bloom
Those who know me know how much I love the amaryllis. Since I was introduced to these amazing and beautiful flowers a few winters ago, God has repeatedly used them to creatively and effectively teach me surprising lessons about life and faith.
One of my favorite things about this flower is that while most bloom in the spring, peak season for the amaryllis is the winter. While the December air grew colder and the days grew shorter, this year’s amaryllis quickly grew taller and soon all four buds trumpeted in victorious bloom.
The intricately designed petals shouting in this picture boldly display the unexpected fifth bloom that began to open as the other blooms withered and waned. This both surprised and inspired me, because while I thought the growth season for this beauty was just about over, the Creator of this gift declared there was more to come.
This fifth bloom stands tall, petals open wide, shouting her presence and displaying her brilliance with confidence. And while the other blooms faded, shriveled, and fell in the background, the amaryllis announces that God isn’t done with her yet. With a focused look into the artistry of the bloom, the debris behind her isn’t even noticeable. Its reality though makes this flower stronger and even more radiant.
Like every year, 2021 brought both incredible joys and deepest sorrows. For some, stepping into a new year has never been more difficult. But as we begin 2022, our hope remains in Christ alone. This unchanging truth enables us to forget what is behind and press on to what is ahead (Phil. 3:13). This does not mean that we erase the painful memories. It does not mean we act as though the hard times left us unscathed. It does mean that we choose not to dwell in the past. It means that even though our story includes pain; even though pieces of our lives have faded, withered, and fallen, we can choose to shine like the amaryllis bloom. We too can stand tall, confident that God is making all things new. Difficulties of the past can inspire us to cherish the present and press on to the future, allowing God to transform those hardships into silent strength as we pursue the things of heaven.
A new year brings a new beginning full of opportunity to reflect the glory of God despite whatever lies behind…maybe even because of what lies behind. While you might think the growth season is just about over, God isn’t finished yet. He is doing a new thing. He is making a way in the wilderness (Is. 43:18-19). Let us remember not the former things, but instead focus on the new things that God is doing.
Welcome the unexpected blooms. Treasure their beauty. Stand tall and shout the glory of God with every ounce of your being. The work He is doing is astounding – so wonderful you would not believe it if told (Hab. 1:5). Our God is still surprising the night like the Christmas amaryllis.
