We certainly enjoyed them! The colours were vibrant, the perfume appealing; they offered a smile to us as we got into the office each day.
Until… they started to lose their freshness, as cut flowers so quickly do. The purple alstroemeria was fading, the ferns turned brown, even the hydrangeas were starting to droop. The water was murky, the scent no longer delightful.
Alas! Time to go to the compost bin!
Except… not all of the flowers were past their prime. The pink roses still brought their colour, the yellow carnations were unfaded, the one hydrangea still shone a bright white.
So, we removed what needed to be removed, and we changed the water, and trimmed the stems, and created a new bouquet.
Sure, it’s less fancy, and smaller, and it will be a shorter-lasting bouquet than when it was new, but we were not ready to part with the whole thing yet. And, the remaining flowers continue to bring us happiness.
Likewise, our faith journey can invite us to similar adaptations. As we grow and mature, we realise it’s time to let go of some things; they have served their purpose, they have brought joy, but we’re ready to part with them now.
And other things are still contributing to our life, their ongoing beauty allows us to recognise the opportunity to keep what is of benefit.
The flowers fade; the faith keeps growing; and the vase gets ready to receive some new blooms when the time is right.
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