The Blossoming 

Isaiah 35:1-2 "The desert and the parched land will be glad, the wilderness will rejoice and blossom. Like the crocus, it will burst into bloom, it will rejoice greatly and shout for joy."

In the week following Christmas, I always enter into a time of reflection. Some personal, some about the future of my ministry, some about immediate needs and some about short and mid-range goals. In the midst of such serious assessment, a simple truth has softened my usual self analysis about "how did I get here? and where am I going now?" That simple truth is that nature sure is good at letting things unfold naturally.

Recently there has been some rain. Much needed and appreciated.  As a result, things are blooming already. Funny how that works. Rain plus sunshine plus time equals newness. Lately, the tears of grief, the sweat of hard work and the flood of drama has been saturating my life. It has been a long season of a lot of it. I am so ready for the blossoming to come now. With it will come new joy and gladness.

Isaiah mentioned crocuses. They are part of the Iris family. They grow from bulbs.  They are very hearty, can bloom in every season and literally burst open when they bloom. I am praying for blossoms as we begin a new year. Looking forward to the joy and gladness they will bring with them. May we remain planted in Him rejoice with every sign of a bloom-filled new year.

With Hope,

Pastor Fred