Wow, today we went to the Tulip Festival. The colors were amazing, acres of fields with a spectacular view of Mt. Hood in the background. Bright yellow flowers were the first to greet us, but they quickly gave way to a earthy carpet of pinks, reds, oranges, purples and mixtures of many other colors. Each row was meticulously planted to show off the beauty and probably to make it easier on the farmers to work in. 

As we drove away, we passed several fields of clumped up dirt, wild grasses and irrigation ditches. It struck me that there is a life parallel here. Each of us has a unique beauty waiting to be noticed, discovered and appreciated. On the outside things might look a bit rough, but with a little work and patience amazing things are just below the surface.

I am thankful God sees through our rough spots, carefully tending to us, pruning and feeding. Then when the time is right, we bloom into unexpected  grandeour, complete in his grace.