"Oh good!" I said, "The pansies have started blooming again." The recent cool, rainy weather had brought out the little plants whose blossoms like tiny faces were bobbing in the gentle wind. It's funny how different plants have their preferences. My zinnias and marigolds love the sun, but not too much water. Others, like coleus, hostas and impatiens prefer shade.
It seems God created plants with different personalities just like he created people with different personalities and preferences! And some love different seasons just as we do! When the weather starts to get hot, my pansies wilt away. But while we are between seasons, the different flowers co-exist in a lovely profusion of colors in the containers.
Our new Bible study is on Women of the Bible. Last night the selection was Eve, the mother of all living. This week we will concentrate on Rebekah. It is obvious in her life that she had different strengths at different times of her life. Early on, she was physically strong as evidenced by her drawing water for the 10 camels of Isaac's servant. She was courageous in her willingness to leave her family to become Isaac's bride.
Later, she became deceitful as she helped her favorite son, Jacob, trick his brother out of his inheritance. From a woman of great faith, she became a woman who took it upon herself to determine the destinies of her sons. She was a woman of mixed strengths and weaknesses, like most of us.
Rebekah sided with the son who liked to stay around the house doing domestic things. While Abraham favored the son who was an outdoorsman. Despite the ensuing conflict, the brothers reunited peaceably later on. There is room for all types of personalities in God's creation.
As a younger woman, I was shy and uncertain. But I found strengths I didn't know I had in raising six children (who had their own differences in personality). Now I am much more confident and don't feel at all as I did previously.
At our Bible study, we discussed Eve's temptation, and how our temptations may change with age. One class member said she was not tempted by things that used to tempt her. I no longer yearn for a luxurious home, but am content with an ordinary home that I can make comfortable by my own personal touches and imagination.
Just as the flowers blend together beautifully, so those of like precious faith, though different in many aspects, can combine to present a beautiful picture of the body of Christ.
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