A friend gave me a Christmas Cactus several years ago. For the first couple of years it bloomed beautifully around Christmas time. (It is called a Christmas Cactus for just that reason!) The last couple of years it's been slow to bloom. Three years ago it bloomed mid-January. Last year it bloomed early to mid-February. I joked that this year I'd probably have an Easter Cactus!!
Well, it's mid-January and I have a beautiful plant with one flower that isn't even quite open yet. There SHOULD be a little flower, or at least a bud, on the end of every green "stem" that is cascading down the side of the pot, but there's not! I check almost every morning to see if possibly, there is another bud developing, but so far there are none.
I wonder if you see yourself in this plant. I know I do. My life is, for the most part, full and green, but deep down I hope for those beautiful bursts of color. Those things in life that bring something fun! Those little unexpected moments of joy. They seem to come slowly sometimes. Life, stress, money issues, and TAX TIME, set my anxious thoughts in motion. Sometimes I have to search diligently to find that one "blossom" that reminds me there is hope. I have to learn to be thankful for the color and beauty in the little things -- even if it's just one thing -- when my heart desires more.
That one little flower gives me hope. Who knows, in another day, week, or even month, more flowers may bloom. In life, the same can be true for us. We may not be able to see it now, but as we wait on the Lord and watch for Him, beauty can come. We may not see a bud yet, but we can trust God to bring the blossoms in His time. Until then, focus on and enjoy, and be thankful for that one little pink flower! That's what I'm going to do!
