Watch for the Whisper

In January, I found an expired amaryllis bulb in a plastic cream pot on clearance for fifty cents. Being that it was past Christmas, and I was hungry for beauty of something growing in my classroom, I purchased the bulb.

I figured that despite its pathetic appearance I could resurrect it.

I excitedly told my students that we would watch it grow over the next month. Plans ensued to measure the growth and observe life burst forth.

We watered the bulb and nurtured it. The kids would excitedly check it each morning. They chattered sweet comments to it and peered into the pot seeking something green.

As time went by, it seemed something went wrong. That little bulb would not sprout. I regularly poked it, double checking it was still alive, and constantly moved it around the room. All in hopes that it would figure out what it was supposed to be doing.

Finally, after eight long weeks, we saw the tiniest sprout of green. The sliver was in stark contrast to the constant sea of brown we had been observing each day.

As it grew, it was very slow. The shoot appeared stunted. At one point I was tempted to toss the whole thing. Everyone had lost interest and I was forgetting to water it regularly.

Now mid March, I took that slow growing plant and set it with the others beside the window in the back of the room.

I would deal with it later, as it didn’t appear it would have any blooms.

This past week, in the flurry of leaving my classroom for an unspecified length of time, I packed up my plants. Grabbing this sprouting bulb, I hesitated, again, to take it with me or toss it into the trash. I opted to bring it home where I set it on my kitchen counter.

Within this past week, I have watched, with delight, each day, as this flower has produced a deep pinkish red bud. It has reached for the sky and been a bright spot on my kitchen counter.

The beauty of this small flower has not been wasted on me.

You see, flowers have always been one way that God has whispered to me.

The symmetry, the colors, the beauty –each unique and each having a special purpose for the good of that plant.

Ever since I was young, I have looked for the flowers. If I am having a rough patch, you can find me in my garden, planting pots on my porch, or walking through a nursery.

As a young girl I would make daisy chains for hours and collect bouquets of dandelions and clover.

For me, there is peace and calm here. This especially rings true in the middle of times of uncertainty, grief, or frustration.

This is where God whispers to my heart, reminding me of His presence.

This week, was no exception. Global and local events have intersected my world on a deeply personal level.

My heart is full of thoughts and unvoiced fears, just like anyone trapped in this crazy new “normal”.

But the simple blooming of a flower said something very important to me earlier this week.

The vision of this natural beauty on my counter reminded me that God sees me.

God hears my prayers and God is here.

God knew in the moment of my weakness and questions, I needed a reminder of Him.

For it is you who light my lamp; the Lord my God lightens my darkness. For by you I can run against a troop, and by my God I can leap over a wall. This God-his way is perfect, the word of the Lord proves true; he is a shield for all those who take refuge in him. Psalm 18:28-30

He chose to make a flower, I had been watching for months, bloom at just the right time and bring joy to my sad, frustrated heart.

What is it for you? What are the ways God whispers His presence to your heart? Where can you see Him in the middle of the messes?

I believe I shall look upon the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living! (Psalm 27:13)

God promises His presence. Sometimes He asks us to watch for it.

We can see it in the small quiet places as much as in the dramatic displays of His power.

Despite the crashing and tumultuous sounds that fill our days there are certain things that will always be, as they have been throughout history.

There will always be moms of kids and wives of husbands.

Teachers of students and doctors of patients.

Writers, scholars, and inventors.

Businesses and ministries.

Life may look different, but God is still present and still loving each of us in a personal way. He still has a purpose for us and a story He is writing that we are a part of.

So, that plant will stay here. Today a second bloom showed up and it appears a third is on it’s way.

God whispers when we feel lost or tired or scared. He brings blessings beyond our greatest expectations.

When you pass through the waters, I will be with you, when you walk through the fire, you shall not be burned and the flame shall not consume you. (Isaiah 43:2)

We are not alone. This is our hope!

Thank you for reading. As an encouragement for you today I have included a free printable of Isaiah 43:2. I pray it blesses your heart, or one close to you. Watch for the whispers, they are everywhere!

Click here for your free printable!!