My ugly

Can you see her?  

Nope?

Not the leggy parts of the plants that need to be pruned back.  

Look closer.

How about this?

Yep!  That's the one!  

Ms. Columbine, herself.

I saw her today, as I went out to check the bills mail.

No big deal, right?  

She's a delicate little thing, DEFINITELY not on a timely schedule.  

All her friends were here in June, carrying on, in living color.

But here's the thing.  My ah-ha, if you will:

She's perfectly made.  

She's lovely.

For whatever reason...

she's here, now.

I have no idea why this little Columbine has this one, little bloom, happy among the raggedy summer annuals and in the midst of her "ugly" twiggy plant.  As you might well know, the sad part about having perennials is that you just have to let them go through their ugly season, without ripping them out and cutting them back, in order for them to grow well in their next season.  So, I tried to beautify the pot with annuals, all around the Columbine, in hopes that it wouldn't look so tired and worn.  

I have no idea why this little plant has enchanted me enough to write a post about it.  Those of you who know me are probably not surprised that I've anthropomorphized a flower.  But I digress. Perhaps I write because the God who loves me knows that this has been a season of...well...ugly for me, at times.  In fact, I fear I have even been a little ugly in my heart, despite my very human efforts to stay beautiful on the inside.  

With eyes toward Heaven and open hands, I submit to my maker.  I submit to growing through my ugly.  My precious God, reminds me that He is ever near, ever sovereign.  Sovereign enough to send His son to die for me.  To raise the dead, and even to encourage a soul which is just a little worn and tired.  He reminds me that though this season is not one of my favorites, it's a season in which He continues to reign and allows me life and breathe for which to praise Him.  Friends, I hope this is a good reminder for you to rest in His presence, as well, no matter your season.  He loves us so much.  

Have you never heard?    

Have you never understood?

The Lord is the everlasting God,    

The Creator of all the earth.

He never grows weak or weary.    

No one can measure the depths of his understanding. 

He gives power to the weak and strength to the powerless.

Even youths will become weak and tired,

And young men will fall in exhaustion.

But those who trust in the Lord will find new strength.

They will soar high on wings like eagles.

They will run and not grow weary.    

They will walk and not faint.  Isaiah 40:28-31 (NLT)