Direct Sunlight

Greetings,

For over two years I have had a Desert Rose in a teacup planter sullenly sitting on my terrace. They are so beautiful when they blossom, but my little plant just would not bloom.  Then a couple of weeks ago I saw a whole row of them at the Home Depot, and they were glorious!  There were so many different hues of pink, whites, and purples, and it occurred to me that maybe I should read the little plastic tab inside the plants with care instructions.  The first thing it said: "These sun-loving plants require a full sun location."

All along I figured a cool shade was the best thing, and I was wrong.  I immediately moved my sun-starved Desert Rose to the edge of the terrace where the sun hits it all day.   This morning I noticed the beginnings of new buds, and I am thrilled!

Sometimes, dear brothers and sisters, the best thing for us is direct sunlight.  We scoff at the notion. It's too hot, I can't take it, I will wither, I will dehydrate, I will not survive, and yet, that very thing that is putting the heat on you is what will make you bloom!  Your prayer life will become better. Your faith will become brighter.  Your hope will color everything and everyone around you. And your peace will flourish. 

"When your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete [in your faith], lacking in nothing" (James 1:3-4).

Rather than avoiding the heat, and rather than shrinking back in the shade, let's embrace those moments when we are in the sun and we will grow!

PRAYER: Dear Lord, thank You that we are never alone when the heat is on. Even during times of testing, especially during these difficult moments, we know You are near and that You are blessing us and preparing us to perfect and complete us in our faith. We praise You that we lack nothing! Every single thing we need is found in You, and we are growing more bright and more beautiful every day!  In Jesus' name, AMEN.