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Jul 28, 2014

Approach from a Different Angle








While squeezing some semblance of life out of hard, uncompromising circumstances solace arrived in the strength of a single wild bloom. 

During an early morning walk it appeared unexpected and incongruent, like a sun-yellow flag planted in a moonscape of rock. Living green and spiraled gold surrounded by the sharp edges of dry, nonsustaining stone. 

A water seeking, nutrient dependent creature can perish in such an environment. 

Living seems just so at times. All that is visible appears to offer not a mite of support to ease basic survival through treacherous times.

Approaching the bloom on the return circuit of the walk, passing by from a different angle, changed the perspective, changed the understanding. 

Consider instead, the protective qualities of impervious rock. No lawn mowing blades arrived here to slice through a wild bloom. Flooding rivulets of rain washing down the rocky bank were channeled around the shallowly rooted, errant seed until its roots grew a deeper grip. The sharp and uneven rock surfaces prevented the smooth terrain seeking footsteps of humans. 

The seemingly rigid and hard may be providential protection and an opportunity to thrive.

Revisit the harsh and uncompromising circumstances. It may be that the presence of sacred grace, a veiled blessing, is obscured by a narrow perspective.

                                             ~

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9 comments:

  1. Lisa, This is beautiful! You're right perspective is everything. Trusting the One who can turn ashes to beauty, and grow flowers in crevices. There is always hope . . . always!

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    1. ...hence "be grateful for all things"...there is always HIS redeeming power.

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  2. Wow. Lisa, I so love your perspective here, the way that you see - and help me to see - from a different angle. It's always a beautiful gift when God helps us to see and honor those everyday examples that suddenly stick out, as this flower did, and illustrate a rich truth. It feels that these experiences are cups of water in the desert. Thank you for this beauty.

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    1. The effort to notice those gifts that are only seen if we remain open to HIS whispers often results in just the insight that is needed. I'm appreciative that you shared your thoughts here.

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  3. What a wonderful reminder, Lisa. And how God loves us so to even raise up a flower in harsh conditions just so He can speak encouragement to our hearts. It blows me away. Thanks for this.

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    1. YES, could not agree more. Those seemingly small incidences that offer sacred direction...always startling.

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  4. There's always more than one way to look at things, isn't there? And that beauty survived and thrived none-the-less! Thanks for linking with Unforced Rhythms :)

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    1. You're so welcome.The title, Unforced Rhythms, truly calls to my heart.

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  5. Beautiful photo - thought-provoking words. I was drawn to read this because of the bright yellow flower, as you were drawn to the flower on your walk. Thank you for putting me so completely in your shoes.

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