When we moved into our home, we were super excited to see the garden had a small garden pond. We soon learned it had seen better days because it was leaking. But since we enjoyed it so much, we decided to replace the old one with a new, bigger one so we could have fish. For years, we loved watching our two small fish grow. We named them, fed them, and made places for them to swim through and hide in from the hawks when needed.
Then came an unfortunate day.
We had a lightning storm, and the next day, we saw the fountain wasn’t running. My husband went out to find that we had lost more than the power the night before; we also lost our fish.
You don’t realize how much you could miss a couple of fish, but they had become part of our garden and a big part of our daily routine. After they were gone, we sort of neglected that part of the garden. We didn’t go out to that area daily, and the fountain and power stayed broken. We intended to clean it out and leave it empty until we found new fish, but this, that, and the other thing happened and we never got to it. One season turned into two, and while we worked on other areas of the garden, we didn’t work on the pond area. Also, the closest store that sold fish no longer carried them, so the pond stayed untended to, filled from rainfall, the water dark from algae and seasons of leaves falling in.
Then, one day, we saw something out on the water — something bright green. Below that dark water, through all this time, remained a water lily plant, and what we were witnessing was its lily pads! Remarkably, with no care and through algae, winters, and frozen pond seasons, this water lily survived. Soon after, up came a bloom! Stunningly beautiful pink and blush petals with a bright yellow center, the flower stood so tall and proud in the midst of that murky, neglected water.
This bloom was a true reminder to me of how powerful beauty is. It stopped me in my tracks and pulled me right in. All the busy thoughts and worries of the day just disappeared. Its striking beauty cut through all of it. It was me and this thing of beauty — an intimate message from God, a light in the darkness that reminded me that God is near.
In beauty, I see God. In beauty, I see hope.
Through it, God tells me it’s all okay. He is right here showing me how He can turn anything into something beautiful, how He can come through any dark, murky hurt. He won’t leave me alone in the dark, and there is always hope. I’m reminded that there is so much more than my burdens and hurts, than the unknowns and struggles. Those things won’t last — because of Christ. And because of Him, there is beauty.
When we are in midst of the messes of life, when we just wish the pain would go away, it feels impossible to see even a glimmer of purpose or hope. But it’s there. Look for it. Focus on the hope that beauty can grow from the murkiest of places, like the water lily. God is purposeful. If your season feels useless, know it is anything but useless to Him. He can use the murkiest of times in our lives to create immense light and great beauty.
And to be sure His first message wasn’t missed, another bright, beautiful bloom of hope blossomed from our neglected, murky pond! So, take heart. There is purpose. Beauty is here. God is near. He gives “bouquets of roses instead of ashes, messages of joy instead of news of doom, a praising heart instead of a languid spirit” (Isaiah 61:3 MSG).
Leave a Comment
Ruth Mills says
We are in a season of lots of uncertainties & murky surroundings. What a great visual aid your lilly pad is for encouragement! May God enable me to be the lily pad of encouragement & beauty in others’ murky waters! Thank you for sharing & blessing me this am.
Beth Williams says
Ruth,
Praying for you in these trying times. May God guide your steps & lead you through theses troubled waters. Asking God to send peace & comfort to your souls.
Blessings 🙂
Ruth Mills says
Thank you so much! God is good and I sure wouldn’t want to life without Him or the prayer warriors He provides! Bless you!
Jennifer Ueckert says
Always so grateful for you lifting others in prayer in this community, Beth!
Jennifer Ueckert says
I am sorry you are in a season of murkiness, Ruth. I am praying for you! And how wonderful you want to be the lily pad of encouragement for others in hard times! Bless you!
Dova says
Have a beautiful Sunday morning
Thank you
Jennifer Ueckert says
Thank you so much for being here, Dova!
Kelley says
Jennifer,
I so enjoyed your post this morning. God always turns our seasons of sadness around in his time.
Peace of Christ to you my Sister!
Jennifer Ueckert says
He sure does! Thank you for being part of our community here, Kelley!
Madeline says
What lovely thoughts on this Sunday morning. Thank you.
Jennifer Ueckert says
Thank you, Madeline. So grateful you are here!
Beth Williams says
Jennifer,
Isn’t it just like God to send messages of hope & love to a hurting world. When all we see & hear is gloom & doom He drops little hints of beauty. He speaks to us lovingly letting us know He sees us & is working in & through us all the time. For a few years I felt life was passing me by. Didn’t have a paying job. It was my time to be caregiver for my parents. Mostly felt somewhat useless. Until God saw me. I was visiting dad at assisted living for lunch. He & I were in middle with a man on either side of us. Dad’s hands were shaking such that little food made it to mouth. I offered to feed him & while doing so one man said “You will get stars in your crown for this”. I knew immediately it was God talking to me. Letting me know that yes you are useful & needed.
Blessings 🙂
Jennifer Ueckert says
Oh that is so beautiful, Beth! What a precious way for Him to let you know you are useful and needed. It was a truly beautiful thing you did taking care of your parents the way you did. Thank you for sharing that!
Susan says
What a lovely reminder of how much we are loved. Thank you for sharing your heart-so uplifting this morning. Blessings to you.
Jennifer Ueckert says
So grateful it could uplift you, Susan! Thank you for being here!
Carolyn F. says
That was beautiful and I needed to hear/read your story and reflection. Thank you!❤️
Jennifer Ueckert says
I am glad that it met your heart, Carolyn!
Debbie says
Beautiful!!!!
Thank you!
It’s been so dark, I forgot to look. Needed the encouragement. Be strong and courageous, and see the beauty. I’m not alone.
Jennifer Ueckert says
Thank you so much, Debbie. I am happy it met your heart!
Mrs Laurie Hawkins says
Thank you for this reminder of Hope, during this dark time in the world
Jennifer Ueckert says
There is always hope, Laurie! Thank you for being here and reading along!
Olivia says
Oh, how I do needed this. Going through…for every mountain and valley, He has brought me through. Amen!!!
Jennifer Ueckert says
Praising Him for that, Olivia! Glad it met your heart!
Karen Knowles says
Thank you for this message of hope today, Jennifer!
Jennifer Ueckert says
Thank you, Karen! So grateful you are here!
Rebecca says
I love this
Jennifer Ueckert says
Thank you so much, Rebecca! Thank you for being here and reading along!