Unexpected Flowers

Photo by Leonardo Wong on Unsplash

My big plans to drive to a museum were crushed because of snow and ice on the road. I wasn’t going anywhere. Instead, I stayed on the couch at home on Valentine’s Day. I tried to make the best of it by watching several sermons online. If I couldn’t get away, at least I could fill my heart with truth from God’s Word.

It was a quiet day. After the sermons, I sat reading my Kindle. The snow had stopped, but it was still too cold to venture outdoors. Then I heard a knock on my door. I was startled and slightly suspicious. The Amazon guys usually don’t wait for me to get my package.

I peered out my peephole and saw my pastor and his wife holding flowers. Surprise! I opened the door and received a beautiful bouquet of daisies and pink roses. There are a number of single women in my church. My church leaders had braved the ice to ensure that we felt loved and appreciated. Their act of generosity turned a day that usually depresses me into one of joy and loveliness.

My pastor and his wife didn’t have to play flower delivery people. They could have stayed warm in their own house. Instead, they sought to care for others more than their own convenience. Philippians 2:4 says, “Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others.” My focus that day had been on what I wanted to feel good. Not on how I could love others well.

After they left, I sent “Happy Galentine’s Day” texts to several friends. While this effort was small compared to what my pastor and his wife had done, it could still bring a smile to someone’s face. It always feels good to be seen and known. And you know what? I also felt really good to do something nice for someone. Kindness blesses both the giver and the recipient.

Indeed, Acts 20:35b reminds us that Jesus said, “It is more blessed to give than to receive.” Sharing God’s love with others delights our hearts. God gave the ultimate gift in sending His Son Jesus to take the penalty our sins deserved. Because it stirs the Father’s heart to give to us, we who are made in the image of God are likewise awakened to joy when we give.

May we seek to see those who may be overlooked. May we shed the Father’s lavish love on them as we would want to be loved ourselves. I pray we spread seeds of joy that grow into surprise flowers for those near and far.

• Who is God calling you to serve?
• Is there anyone you realize may have gone unnoticed that you could recognize? How can you bless them?