The Source of Beauty

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There is so much beauty to be seen in the spring. And all year round. So much beauty that seems to just appear without much effort. The apple blossoms, the peach blossoms, the new green leaves, and in coming days, the vegetables in gardens, the apples on the trees.

"Look at the lilies of the field 

and how they grow. 

They don't work or make their clothing ... " 

(from Matthew 6:28)

Without any visible effort on the part of the blossoms, or the leaves, they just seem to appear. But we know that the roots of the trees and the plants must be healthy, stretching down to soak up the moisture, and reaching up to catch the sun. And then the blossoms and the fruit just magically appear.

How often do we put our focus in the wrong place? When we work so hard trying to craft a beautiful blossom, to no avail. When we keep watching for the fruit that we long for in our lives? Forgetting that all that is needed is to let our roots go down deep, and our hearts to reach up to Him. Focusing on growing in intimacy with Him, listening to His Words, resting in Him, soaking up His love.

"So often we impair God's designed influence,

 which He desires to exhibit through us, 

because of our own conscious efforts to be consistent and useful. 

Jesus said there is only one way to develop and grow spiritually, 

and that is through focusing and concentrating on God." 

(My Utmost for His Highest)

I am called back to this simplicity over and over again. Called back from focusing on tasks, on ministry, on working for approval from others ... called back to the simplicity of focusing on Him. Letting my roots grow down deep into Him, and sitting in the warmth of His love. 

"If you want to be of use to God, 

maintain the proper relationship with Jesus Christ

 by staying focused on Him, 

and He will make use of you every minute you live - 

yet you will be unaware, on the conscious level of your life, 

that you are being used of Him." 

(My Utmost for His Highest)

What we are made for ... to live in intimacy with Him. And as we focus on Him, others will enjoy the beauty of the fruit that He causes to grow. And from within that fruit, more seeds will sprout, spreading His love for future generations to come.

Loving Lord, please draw us back to You, to the simplicity of focusing on You as our First Love. Let our roots grow down into You, and let our lives be built on You. (from Colossians 2:7)

Linking up to Walk With Him Wednesdays