I ran across this beautiful scene early in the spring and it immediately brought to mind those of us who feel different; like we don’t fit in.
Quite probably we are. But this pear tree reminds me that sticking out doesn’t have to be like a sore thumb. When we embrace who we are, our uniqueness and individuality, when we make use of our gifts and talents (even when we discount their worth), we have it within us the capacity to make the world a more beautiful and extraordinary place.
Most likely, you will never see this pear tree. And even if you drive past the field, you’re likely to just see a sea of green trees and, even if you did pause to consider them, you would probably think there was nothing remarkable about them. But for the space of a few weeks each spring, this scene repeats itself and reminds me of this truth.
And so it is with each one of us. It is the story that we tell ourselves, the quiet whispers echoing through the halls of our minds, that often determine whether we flower or whether we fade. We may never be a celebrity or hold positions of worldly power or prominence, but we each have the capacity, whether small or great, to impact those around us. Made in the image of God, we possess the power to reflect that image well or poorly.
“For you formed my inward parts; you knitted me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well.” Psalm 139:13-14