Work of Heart

I enjoy growing herbs and flowers in my tiny garden.

One of my favorite flowers that greets me each spring is the columbine.

I planted purple, white, and blue, and I plan to add pink.

They're all unique, and each one adds beauty to my little plot.

Each person is a work of heart, like the flowers.

God creates us in the womb and breathes life into us.

Each person is unique and has the potential to add beauty to the world.

 

Nothing Greater

Mark 12:30-31

"Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength." The second is this: "Love your neighbor as yourself. There is no commandment greater than these."

Seagulls swooped around the pier.

At Huntington Beach in northern Ohio, the seagulls flew about in search of food. A heron rested on the rocks and watched. Before long a seagull padded over to squat beside the heron. The bigger bird didn't move, he allowed the little fellow into his space without quarrel. Side-by-side they perched on the rocks, two very different, yet beautiful birds.

As I watched these two, I thought about how God created people as unique beings who populate the same planet. I'll admit, I've come across a few folks I didn't want to share space with. Yet, God called me to love.

I've heard Jesus' words in Mark many times, but some days, I need reminded. I might be the heron minding my own business, when the seagull pops in and sits beside me. Or the other way around. No doubt someone out there doesn't want me sitting beside them. That's okay.

My mom told me years ago, "You don't have to like everyone, but you do need to love them." That's what God calls me to do. I may not agree, but I can love. I may not like, but I am called to love.

Is it always easy? Nope. But who said life, as a follower of Jesus, was easy? Does it take patience? Yes, and kindness, gentleness, self-control and all of the fruit of the Spirit God gives me.

When I love God with all my heart and soul and mind and strength, I will love my neighbor. Not just my physical neighbors, but the people I interact with on social media, too. Jesus also says to love myself. He wants me to care about my physical, spiritual, and mental being.

Love God. Love neighbors. Love ourselves. God created people to care for each other. Let's do this.

And God Created Trees

 1 Corinthians 12:4-6
There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit distributes them. There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord. There are different kinds of working, but in all of them and in everyone it is the same God at work.

As Tim and I hiked through the nature preserve, we noticed a variety of trees budding for spring. The Bradford pears were in full bloom. Red buds were pushing out their deep lavender-pink blossoms, and soon the dogwood would flower in clouds of pink and white. A few days later my daughter, Sara, her two little ones and two of my other grandchildren trekked along the path at Sycamore Park. Along the trail were several old sycamore trees that had hollowed out over time. We also saw birch, oak, and maple trees preparing for spring.

A variety of trees make up a forest. Some provide shade, others food. Some stand out with their flowery beauty, while others are content to spread their leaves and bring shelter. And in all of them God is at work. He created every one of them for a purpose. Is it so different for people? We all look different. We all have abilities and gifts to share. Some of us may shelter, while others stand out.

I know this sounds simple and maybe even trite. But think about it. There are so many different people in the world, and God created everyone with purpose. Every tree in the forest grows alongside trees who are different and trees who are the same. They rise up in community and do the job God intended. Is it so different for people who receive their gifts from the Holy Spirit when they become believers in Christ? I'm thankful God made me unique, as I strive to share my gifts through writing.

As you embrace your gift, take one word of warning. Don't compare yourself to others. Comparison is detrimental. Seek your gift and God will bless you. He'll lead you into circumstances where your abilities and purpose shine. No gift is more or less than another. Every gift has purpose. Praise God he made us all different, with gifts to share.