Lesson from the Tulips

I had never watched a tulip age until last week. As the beautiful tulips I received for Valentine’s Day grew older, I was fascinated by the transformation.

The once matte color took on a sheen and deepened from pink to a dark rose. The petals opened revealing a beautiful design in the heart of the flower. As they aged, the petals began to drop, and I found bright spots of color on the floor and the countertop.

I considered those tulips, and I thought, “That is how I want to age.”

I want to shine as I grow older, reflecting the love of Christ.

I want inner beauty to deepen like the color of the tulip deepened.

I want my heart to be open for all to see, and I want it to reveal the design of Christ.

And, I want to leave color and beauty wherever I am.

My tulips are all gone now, but their beauty remains with me.

I pray that my legacy will reflect loveliness as well.

Psalm 90:17 And let the beauty of the Lord our God be upon us: and establish thou the work of our hands upon us; yea, the work of our hands establish thou it.

Isaiah 52:7 How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him that bringeth good tidings, that publisheth peace; that bringeth good tidings of good, that publisheth salvation; that saith unto Zion, Thy God reigneth!