Deep in the luscious forests of Costa Rica amongst a metropolis of green vegetation can be found a small tree of which produces brilliantly colored and alluring leaves. This magnificent blossom, for lack of a better word, is known by the locals as Ave del Paraiso, or Bird of Paradise. Only after an arduous path through the forest traversing steep hills and deep creeks did this badge of creation present itself so eloquently planted under the branches that house our not so distant animal relatives (monkeys). As it presented itself it seemed to command my attention, a vibrant red gracefully wavering in the wind among a resplendent display of rain saturated dark green. A spark of thought enveloped my mind quickly becoming a burning ember of abstract cogitation in my soul. A question burdened me; Are you blooming? (In Christ)
Are you willing to bloom in inclement weather?
Ecclesiastes 3:1 “For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven.”
Amen, if only our idea of the right season was the same as Gods, but we know that is not true. He may ask us to bloom in the valley, the desert, the wilderness, the winter, or even through a flood.
By bloom I mean to seek nutrients and receive them. To grow. To shine light. To glisten from the reflection of the sun (son). To produce petals of beauty for the kingdom.
Luke 11:9 -10 “And I tell you, ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and the one who seeks finds, and to the one who knocks it will be opened.”
Is God asking you to bloom in bad conditions?
Don’t miss your blossom because of the weather forecast.
Are you willing to bloom when those around you are content being green?
Matthew 7: 13 “Enter by the narrow gate. For the gate is wide and the way is easy that leads to destruction, and those who enter by it are many.”
Don’t allow the state of your social environment to influence your budding. Do not get stuck on what others are doing, you just make sure you are on the narrow path.
Bloom for the one who resides within; don’t hold back for fear of outward appearance.
Matthew 5:16 “In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your father who is in heaven.”
Be the change. Let your light shine!
It might sound insensitive to walk the narrow path while others are entering a gate destined for destruction, but how can you help anyone if you’re not blooming?
There is no pollen.
But once you have bloomed in Christ a simple graze against your blossom or even a gentle breeze from the spirit will affect others.
Call it cross pollination. You can’t help but be affected by the aroma of Christ.
So Bloom! Allow God to nourish your roots and bloom. Be the Bird of Paradise.
