Sunday, December 11, 2011

The Color From Within




Have you ever really looked into the person sitting next to you? How about as you are reading their Facebook messages, or even text messages? The words are more than words, they are being written by a real person. That person may be holding a huge burden that only their words give them freedom, but too many times we read those words and think it is about the reader. How self-centered are we to think that everything written is about me the reader. While reading the words, have you ever stopped to think about the writer? The colors from within are sometimes expressed in words. Sometimes those words are rough and sharp around the corners, but still the same it is a window into the life of the writer.
Take a look at the flower, she is getting ready to break forth with new color. All the while, she has been this green lanky, stalk, reaching toward Heaven's light. She has so much to give, and had I been busy complaining about her growth, or even passing judgement I may not have even noticed how she is held together. Her colors are screaming to come out. She has so much beauty to give, and I am glad she is a part of my life.
How many times do we wish someone would just take a minute to look at our color within us? How many times do we ask the question, "how are you", and just keep walking? Do we take the moment to really look into the eyes of those around us? In the scriptures, we are told by our loving Jesus Christ, that the "eyes are the windows to the soul". While passing judgement on the unknown and unseen colors, the writer maybe hurting, and you maybe what that person needs to get through a rough day. Do not think that you are wiser than the One who created you, because a time will come when your colors will be bursting forth, and you will be overlooked too.

Growth


Growth hurts, reaching upward toward the light I find my only strength. I reach for the heavens, bringing forth the beauty locked deep within. The others look at me and make comments about my growth. I speak my heart as I grow, I speak direct, and others judge me, and cut me off. They think they truly know me, but they have never looked with in my heart. My roots continue to gain strength and depth. I see what lies ahead, and I desire more.
The words of a bulb as it grows is much like my own. As I grow and make decisions, others look on and make their opinions known in many ways. They cut me off, treat me like I am not in the same room, they only call when they need something, but when I need a response they do not return the call, or the text message. we call ourselves "Christian", and we say we forgive, or have worked it out, but when it really counts the actions given say, "I have the right to treat you this way because you deserve it."
Just like the growth in the bulb reaching for the light, I too can grow. I reach for the light each day. I may be rejected by those who once called themselves my friends, but I remember when they too needed the light and reached toward a friend and she was there. I made the mistake of turning to a "friend" and was seeking suggestions, and I knew I should have just kept reaching for the light. It has never been the same. It was never the same once the bulb was put into the soil. Just like the bulb, either I can grow or die, and I choose to grow, even when it hurts.