Lilacs, Strawberry Blossoms and Dandelions

The evidence of spring is all around us. Entering our front yard, one is greeted by a huge lilac bush that is just beginning to bloom. Just off the back deck is an abundance of delicate, white flowers that will soon turn into luscious strawberries. And both front and back yards are peppered with an abundance of bright, yellow dandelions. All have vibrant colors and unique purposes.

Amid branches of rich green leaves, peek out beautiful, light-purple lilacs with a powerful, fragrant aroma. They will soon be fully open and ready to cut and form bouquets that will grace my dining room table. From this location, the scent will fill my home and bring enjoyment to those who enter.

With white petals and pale, yellow centers the tiny strawberry blossoms are themselves very pretty. Beyond this beauty is the promise of the fruit to come. Strawberries from these plants have been very tasty in past years. We look forward to enjoying another crop in the coming months.

What mother has not received a bouquet of those “pretty, yellow flowers” (a.k.a. dandelions) from a young child. Although this yellow “flower” is bright and cheery, what is beneath the surface of the ground is devastating. This weed invades lawns, gardens and anywhere soil can be found. It will even grow in a crack in the driveway, and can break concrete over time. It spreads rapidly and attempts to take over wherever its seeds plant themselves, pushing out what is already there.

In a new season of life, symbolized by springtime, there are many new plantings. Just as these perennial plants have different purposes in my yard, so does all that God is working in our lives. There is a specific plan and purpose for each work He is bringing about.

Like my lilac bush, some of what God has placed in our life is simply there to bring enjoyment. As we display the character of God, a beauty is developed in us. God may deliver us out of situations and restore things that have been lost in our past. “To grant [consolation and joy] to those who mourn in Zion—to give them an ornament (a garland or diadem) of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of joy instead of mourning, the garment [expressive] of praise instead of a heavy, burdened, and failing spirit—that they may be called oaks of righteousness [lofty, strong, and magnificent, distinguished for uprightness, justice, and right standing with God], the planting of the Lord, that He may be glorified.”  (Isaiah 61:3 AMP)  People can see this beauty and glorify God because of our actions and inner joy and peace.

Other growth in our life, like the strawberry blossoms, is a promise of fruit to come. We have the fruit of the spirit in our lives. “But the fruit of the [Holy] Spirit [the work which His presence within accomplishes] is love, joy (gladness), peace, patience (an even temper, forbearance), kindness, goodness (benevolence), faithfulness, gentleness (meekness, humility), self-control (self-restraint, continence). Against such things there is no law [that can bring a charge].” (Galatians 5:22-23 AMP)  These fruit start out in seed form, take root and begin to grow. The blossom is evidence of the fruit that is developing. We are beginning to walk in more love, joy, peace and all of the fruit. It will continue to develop as we continue to grow in the Lord until it becomes fully ripened and nourishing. 

And in each of our lives there is some false beauty that must be rooted out. Good works done with wrong motives can appear to be beautiful, but are actually full of death. ^“… For the Lord sees not as man sees; for man looks on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart.” (1 Samuel 16:7b AMP)  Jesus spoke harshly to the Pharisees, “… you also outwardly seem to people to be just and upright but inside you are full of pretense and lawlessness and iniquity.” (Matthew 23:28 AMP) We must constantly be checking the motives behind our good works.  Anything done in our own strength, to bring attention to ourselves or for selfish gain may appear good for a time, but will bring harm in the end. God will be faithful to show us our true motives if we are open to His voice.  He will pull these weeds up from the roots and replace them with beauty if we allow Him too. 

As the garden of your life shows evidence of the work God is doing, rejoice in each. Enjoy the beauty. Joyfully anticipate becoming fruit. And let God pull the weeds that may appear pretty but will destroy the character He is developing in you.