Be Colorful, Flavorful and Awesome in Life
Flowers come in a wide variety of colors as do the flavors of fresh fruit. And the awesome cloud formations across the sky got me thinking. Do our lives have something in common with these elements? Perhaps there’s more to reveal than meets the eye. For instance, am I more like the soft pink of the peony, the joy-color of a yellow marigold, the faithfulness of the white rose, or the foreboding pain of the Prickly Pear Cactus? Would I liken myself to the mouth-satisfying taste of fresh berries, the pucker of tart cherries, or the refreshing slice of red watermelon? What makes me awesome—or takes away from that quality? Am I a fair-weather cloud or a dark stormy day?
Be colorful: My eyes are easily drawn to a pretty flower whether in the garden or scattered across a wild landscape. I just have to look and if possible, take a picture. Each variety is so unique; so beautiful in its own special way. Some are big as a pie plate, others tea cup size, and still some so tiny and delicate. When I’m soft-spoken, mild tempered and patient, I’m more like the soft pink of the peony. Others are attracted to a gentle and quiet spirit. The golden yellow of the Marigold sets me apart as someone filled with joy. Sunshine. Again, people like to hang around those who are genuinely happy.
The white rose is a symbol of faithfulness. Do I keep my word, show up when I promise, or blow off responsibilities? To be white rose-like is a trustworthy and admirable trait. Others will know they can depend on white-rose people.
What about the flowers that look good from a distance but hurt when touched. The Prickly Pear Cactus is a great beauty but also a great danger. It’s fruit is great for jams but its thorns are not to be approached lightly. Do I look good on the outside and then leave scars behind? Do I cause people to avoid me or keep their distance? That’s not my intent, so I’ll be watching for that off color bloom to show up.
Be flavorful: I grew up with farm fields lined with blackberry bushes. Such a great memory. Us kids could hardly wait for August when we’d pick buckets full and eat, eat, and eat some more. The berries remind me of the importance of leaving lasting memories; pleasant times that will live on long after I’m gone. On visits to Canada to see our grandparents, we were introduced to Choke Cherries. However, unless sugar is added, this variety of cherry leaves a definite (choking) bitter taste behind. Is that who I want to be? Not at all. Harsh discipline, lacking appreciation, or showing no empathy are markers of this character trait. It’s one I’ll be watching for.
And, summer picnics were not complete without the juiciest red watermelon. My how that taste was the best-of-the-best on a hot summer’s day. Watermelon people are those I’d want to see more of. They’ve got an ability to express love and tenderness. In fact, they leave a good taste in my mouth.
Be Awesome: Let’s be honest. All of us have at least a small desire to be seen as awesome. That’s healthy. My awesome and your awesome will likely be different. Perhaps awesome means to do our work well, get that degree, raise well-behaved children, be a good and loyal friend, to discover the next best “whatever” that can solve a problem, to be a good steward over our finances, or to overcome an addiction.
Whatever our awesome is, it is not boastful or proud. It is respectful and humble toward others, but also enjoys the blessings accumulated along life’s journey.
Be Colorful, Flavorful and Awesome in Life
Ephesians 2:20 NLT For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.
