If February was full of love, then March is full of hope. In our area, daffodils are peeking through the winter ground to let us know that spring is on the way.
A few weeks ago I had the privilege of visiting the studio of well-known sculptor Clydetta Fulmer to photograph her for the cover of Christian Woman Magazine. Our afternoon was such a blessing!
Flowers grow in profusion at Clydetta's home and studio, planted many years ago by Clydetta's mother and grandmother. Clydetta gathered a bouquet of daffodils before I arrived and requested that we incorporate the flowers into our photo shoot. I appreciate Clydetta's connection to generations past and thought the flowers added a beautiful touch of spring to the photographs.
Surveying the grounds of Clydetta's home place -- dotted with daffodils, wild lilies and other delicate buds of early spring -- I couldn't help but think how our influence lives beyond us. As Clydetta and I walked the rolling hills at sunset, she marvelled that her grandmother planted flowers years ago that are enjoyed today by her great-grandchildren. Clydetta delivers bouquets to people each week and invites visitors to her studio to take home flowers as well. As I gathered my own bouquet, I wondered if Clydetta's mother and grandmother could have even imagined how many people their flowers would bless.
Clydetta appreciates the flowers her mother and grandmother left behind for their beauty. But even more so, she appreciates the connection those buds provide to the godly women who planted them.
With each step of life's journey we have the opportunity to make the path more beautiful for those who follow after us. Ephesians 2:10 reminds us, "For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them." I love the imagery of this verse. Isn't it beautiful to consider that when we plant seeds of kindness along life's journey, we are walking in our Father's footsteps?
The challenge before all of us is to brighten the path. Plant a flower. Offer an encouraging word. Share a smile. Do a little good deed. Plant kindness today, and let God make it bloom for eternity.
