A bouquet of tulips

Friday was a beautiful sunny day. The kind of day where if a mommy didn't take her kiddos outside, she should be arrested. So, I plopped Gustin in the stroller and Elizabeth hopped on her tricycle and off we went around the block. As we were walking along, I noticed something that made me stop short. There in one of my neighbor's flower beds were some absolutely breathtaking tulips. I don't know what it is about tulips. They are just so beautiful and perfect. And, while they are gorgeous in flower arrangements and whatnot, they seem so much more spectacular when you come across them unexpectedly in a very mundane location. They didn't seem to belong on our suburban street in the flower bed of a very average house with a few weeds happily growing nearby. They seemed to be a gift of beauty sent directly from God because only He could create such perfection and stir such joy in my heart.

On another note, at times I've been feeling a little overwhelmed and down lately. Presidential election years are not my favorite. I detest all the ads and debates and mudslinging and promises that are impossible to keep and media attention on candidates that don't stand for one single thing that I believe in. I'm worried about who will be elected to lead our country in a few short months and the consequences that will follow over the next four years. There just seems to be so much evil and turmoil and misguided people in the world today. How will the faithful few possibly turn it all around?

And, then the Lord gives my spirits a boost with a small blessing such as those beautiful tulips. He's reminding me that He is always here, He will never abandon us. He may not be obvious. He won't be in the blaring TV ads or the multitude of political flyers in the mailbox or on the evening news. He isn't using fame or millions of dollars or celebrities to deliver his message. Instead He relies on the simple beauties of life to remind us that He is always here, He loves us, He will help us overcome any trial and survive any dark times.

So, today I will try to be a bouquet of tulips in someone else's life. Today I will focus on being a mirror of God's love, shining like into the darkness. Maybe today I can help change the world.