The Christmas Cactus - Jewell Utt
Must we tolerate deception even in our houseplants?
Christmas Cacti bloom in October or February, not December as the name suggests. Research shows they can produce flowers at Christmastime, if trained under the correct conditions. Left alone, flowers occur at a more appropriate time, a perfect time.
It reminds me God is never late, nor is He too early.
Each November, I scramble around putting things away to make room for seasonal decorations. A few years ago, I stood looking at my gangly, dull cactus. It couldn’t go in a box, and I couldn’t bring myself to throw it out. Though unattractive and unproductive, it still had life, but what a disappointment. It never bloomed and without flowers it didn’t appeal to me. So I put it down in the basement.
Christmas came and went replacing its merriment with cold days and grey skies. When I went to put away the decorations, I spied my cactus. One branch awkwardly stretched away from the cluster. I realized it was reaching for the light and looked healthier than it had in months. So I left it there.
As the winter dragged on, the lack of sunlight dampened my spirits. I went downstairs to search out an exciting project. And wow! My Christmas Cactus was in full bloom. Partially shaded, hardly watered, in a cool, dank , place…Who would think it could survive? But this plant was actually thriving. Study revealed these were prime conditions. Christmas Cacti require hours of sleep in a dark place, very little fuss, and can take several years to mature.
Can you imagine if I had discarded it?
I would have missed the most beautiful array of color. It brightened my world, uplifted my spirits, and provided the project I was seeking. It brought the promise of spring into the darkest room of my house. Unusual, unlikely, yet perfectly timed, it ushered in a deeper message.
I smiled knowing only God could accomplish such a creative blessing for me.
I am so thankful that God doesn’t discard us at times of dormancy. He doesn’t force us to bloom, but allows us to naturally develop. Through His process of deadheading He causes us to flower healthier and brighter. He knows what we will become, under the right conditions. When we reach for His light we tap into His mighty power.
Let us not discard people whose flowers have yet bloom.
During this season of gratitude, I pray you will shine your bright colors into someone else’s life. Happy Thanksgiving!
The LORD will guide you always; he will satisfy your needs in a sun-scorched land and will strengthen your frame. You will be like a well-watered garden, like a spring whose waters never fail. Isaiah 58:11
