A morning walk takes me on a sidewalk adjacent to a busy street where two trees stand juxtaposed on the corner--a magnolia with its glossy, waxed, green leaves towering 15 feet gracing the expansive, cloudless, blue sky and exuding a delightful fragrance into the morning breeze as it gently brushes the dogwood tree which bears its unique flowers. These novelties are lacking in fragrance with rustic etched indentions on an otherwise perfectly white, petaled palate whose center features a sort of "seeded crowns!"Scripture tells us that we can see the love of God revealed in creation. Romans 1:20 says, "For HIS invisible attributes, namely HIS eternal power and divine nature have been clearly perceived since the creation of the world in the things that have been made." Moreover, through the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ, we can live FOREVER... "Believe on the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and you will be saved" (Acts 16:31).
So, in a world of imperfections and trials of many kinds, living a life surrendered to Jesus Christ is the only thing that has eTernal value! Seeing the dogwood flower reminds me that Christ died on the cross for my sins--my imperfections! The lovely fragrance of the flowering magnolia stirs me to mindfully live a life committed to the Lord--the glossy, evergreen leaves a symbolic, assuring reminder of the promise of spending eternity with God!
These flowers, as beautiful as they are, will, nonetheless, wither and fade; but the WORD OF GOD will endure forever! And, HIS WORD gives HOPE forever and ever!
© Copyright 2024 Dr. DonnaJo Earl Bridges. All rights reserved.
