One of our church members Courtney Malone shared the following reflections on her Facebook page, and I found it so inspiring that I asked her if I could share it as our midweek meditation, for the benefit of those who may not be on social media. I hope you are as inspired by her words as I am.



Oh look! My holiday cactus just bloomed! Yes, the one that is supposed to bloom between November and December.

But just because it's a late bloomer doesn't mean it's any less beautiful. It doesn't mean I didn't tend to it any less. In fact, I worked hard to try to get her to blossom this winter and resolved that she just may not do it this year. But I didn't toss her away or forget about her. I watered and resoiled. I had her placed in the right light each day. She just wasn't ready.

But the joy her blooms bring me now is just as exciting, if not more. Because I was patient and waiting. Because it surprised me that she was finally ready and her beauty is exuberant.

Wait, this holds parallel lessons to life. We all bloom at different times. Sometimes everything seems to be right on track and it doesn't happen. But in time, you bloom. Maybe you. Maybe your child. Maybe someone else you observe from a distance.

Joy comes from it all. Keep on growing.