The two dogwood trees have flaws.  There are hollow spots in the trunk, yet the trees are still blooming, producing leaves.  They are still beautiful.  They still provide wonderful shade while I’m waiting for Amy to get off the bus; one of them has a bird’s nest nestled in the branches.

Yesterday, I talked briefly with an older gentleman sitting on a bench outside Walmart as I was leaving.  We talked about the sun coming back out and other weather-related discussion.  I noticed a cast on his arm, and asked if he had broken it.  He told me of trouble he had had with his skin as he was aging, and said, “I looked in the mirror this morning and almost broke it.”  He laughed halfheartedly, but I said, “We all see things in the mirror that we don’t like sometime, but I think you look great.”  He smiled and we said goodbye.

Flawed but still beautiful.  We all have our things, things we would change or fix or erase or improve.  But our God sees us as His creations, beautiful children that He has made and that He loves.  He can still use us, despite our flaws, hollow spots,  failings.  Thank goodness.    Have a beautiful autumn weekend.  Slainte, Lisa

“I can do everything through him who gives me strength.”  (Philippians 4: 13)

“He has made everything beautiful in its time.”  (Ecclesiastes 3:11)