–2014– from the lilac bushes of which I speak.

I have loved lilacs ever since the first year we lived at that old farmhouse with the lavender lilac blooms. There is an analogy that can be made which relates to their beauty and essence. In some ways our moments in life are much like a lilac bush in full bloom. Star-shaped florets gather together in a burst of lavender bloom. Their fragrant scent is an over-powering sensation that drifts in the air on a slightly warm spring day filling in the space with a rich sweetness. Bees buzz and hover making the most of the petals’ offerings.

A season does not disappear before I clip some fragrant lilac sprays. I search to find my trusty red clippers, head out the door and then I take time to look over the lilac bushes, my eyes searching for the perfect blooms. I settle on ones with no hint at brownish dying florets or tight unopened star-tips. I make my selections and then, snip-snip. Once clipped, I trim off any unwanted stems or leaves. Now the blooms are ready. I arrange the lilacs in a blue-glazed vase. The lilacs are ready for display with their rich scent and delicate beauty.

Lilacs Speak of Life

Lilacs are gentle unassuming flowering bushes, they’re hearty stock. They require minimal care, no fuss or special treatment. In some ways our lives are like one tiny star blossom, one seemingly insignificant floret. We are one of many. The people we meet touch us and we touch them like a hundred florets bunched in a ribbon of glory. All together it is breathtaking at times when they’re in full bloom. Not fancy, just pretty and useful.

Each small lilac petal is like a life, my life, your life. Human interactions have a shared purpose with a loveliness all their own. When a person looks at the whole bush of lilac blooms he or she sees a thing of beauty. Yet, without the root it would be nothing. Without the stem it would be nothing. Without the leaves it would be nothing. It would be nothing without water, sun, or nourishment. All are essential and necessary for life. The lilac will not have capacity for beauty unless certain conditions are met.

How God is Like a Lilac

This is true for us as well. In the human realm, God is the ultimate nourishment for a life of beauty, which produces and radiates fragrant loveliness. The roots absorb the nutrients. And that is the way scientific world is replete with examples. DNA differs, characteristics differ, but life-giving qualities are essential necessities for life to exist.

I see God. He provides the spiritual nourishment we as humans need for living a healthy spiritual life. I also see Him in the sunshine, the energy force that is needed for life to exist. Living beings, plants, animals, and humans, in this created world are creatures of commonalities. Our life may not be much in the grand scheme of things for it is not prestigious or unusually gifted, but like one miniature star petal floret, it is one life that can and may be a blessing.

So on this day reach out and touch someone who would be blessed if you do. We all need encouragement. Your call or visit will be just what they need. Reach up, reach out, and reach in. I’m including myself in this directive. Best to you today, and I mean it…for today and always. Your friend and sister in Christ, Norma