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Beauty Among the Junk

What do you see in this picture? A truck? Lots of wires? A rare GREEN light? Posts? A weird traffic sign?


I was at a traffic light yesterday and took this shot. There is definitely a lot of ugly here. But what I wanted to capture was the Ipe tree in full bloom. The junk came along for the ride.

The Ipe is a lovely and creative piece of God’s artwork. It flowers brilliant yellow eye candy with nary a leaf. The tree itself looks dead with lifeless limbs yet the flowers are spectacular. The first time I saw one in bloom I just stood staring in wonder at God’s creativity. How could something that looks so deceased be so beautiful?

I imagine that my life is a lot like this Ipe. Ugly as sin and surrounded by more ugly. On the outside looking lifeless yet with lovely flowers of God’s mercy and grace waiting to burst forth at any moment as I work and wait on God’s creativity. However, when He restores the glory of His creation in me through Salvation, WATCH OUT. There is beauty amongst the junk. Just you wait and see

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