Blooming in Small Ways

Texans are often portrayed as being loud and bold with gross illusions of grandeur. Usually the cartoonish character is dressed with over-sized accessories to match the big-headed, big-mouthed oaf who is spouting tales about oil, longhorns and money. “Everything is bigger in Texas” makes some people cringe, but in many ways it’s true. When it takes three days to drive across the state – that’s big! But more than claims of superiority, Texas really excels in the small things like small town courtesies and little flowers on the roadside. During the spring the bluebonnets decorate the highways, towns promote their driving trails and art festivals offer paintings that will remain in bloom for the rest of the year. On an impulse, I decided to take a drive after work a little bit south of town to explore the trails near Ennis. It’s hard to guess when the peak of the season will pass but after days of wind and rain, and more in the forecast, I decided to take advantage of the nice clear afternoon. Additionally, it was getting close to the “magic hour” when the angled sun produces richer tones and I was eager to take some new photos. I found the even smaller town of Bristol, which was like a little hill country retreat less than an hour from Dallas. Intentional planting of bluebonnets added to its beauty with pastured horses, reflective ponds, and sloping meadows. One field was showing the tips of red wildflowers beginning to immerse and will become a vibrant contrast to the cooling patches of bluebonnets. On my way home I stayed on the back roads and realized I was within minutes of a good friend who enjoys life in the country. Knowing that Miss Manners would not approve of drop-in guests, I phoned ahead and gave her a good ten minute’s notice! I happened to arrive as she was finishing homemade seafood chowder (Delicious!!) and I tried to earn my place at the dinner table by helping fix the cornbread and wash dishes afterwards. That’s what neighbors do! It was a night of simple pleasures - budding flowers, sunset, shared meal, and talking around the kitchen table. That’s something to boast about!

My prayer for the congregation?

Dear God, You excel in nurturing the least among us and encouraging our development into a full-grown model of your vision. While there may be giant strides in maturity, behind the scenes it will be the small acts of graciousness, friendship, caring, and feeding that will maintain our growth. We shine independently, but like the bluebonnets, when grouped in common ground, the results are exceptional! We are a rag-tag, rugged bunch, but when given the right circumstances, we may bloom abundantly! We ask that You place us in the proper ground so that we may grow upright into righteousness. Amen.