The “Magic in You” is the story of a flower that has taken root by a roadway at the edge of a beautiful forest. She is small in comparison to the other flowers and is teased for her insignificant stature. A Billy goat comes along and eats one of her pretty golden petals. Then a car drives by and runs over one of her leaves, leaving the flower in quite a forlorn state.Sometimes people come into our lives with every intention of “running us over” just like the rude car. They drain us emotionally as well as spiritually and some times even financially. When they are finished, they leave us broken and distraught. How can we ever heal from such a painfully disastrous experience, especially when the perpetrators are long gone and there is no one left to confront?
People also come into our lives that make selfish decisions, like Mr. Billy goat. They give no thought to the consequences that their actions may have on the people around them. As a result we feel used, as if a part of our dignity has been violated. If we are not anchored in our worth, a variety of thoughts and emotions can wreak havoc within us. We may even wonder if the incident was actually our own fault, leading us to deeper despair.
In the little flower’s despair she begins to cry, which gains the attention of a nearby woodland fairy. The little flower sobs, “I just don’t know why I am growing here, by the side of the road, I mean. All the other flowers make fun of me. I wasn’t feeling very pretty, and I wasn’t feeling very smart….Maybe, you could wave your magic wand and make me beautiful. Then I would surely be happy.” The fairy replied, “You do not need my magic to become beautiful, or happy. You can become a happy, beautiful little flower any time you want.”
God sees the potential for good in each one of us despite the crushing blows we have suffered on the side of the road. Like the careful gardener, God comes to nourish and heal our broken spirits with the wind of hope and the peace that will bind up all our wounds. That little flower quickly learns that though her circumstances may be less than ideal, she has the power to affect the lives of other living creatures by what she can give—kindness, love, and most of all, forgiveness.
I like to encourage everyone to plant a Forgiveness Garden this spring. The healing power of nature is a perfect compliment to the healing power of forgiveness. As you plant your Garden of Forgiveness, you will help to heal your own heart and soul and body. April 2nd, 2009 is Reconciliation Day in which florists are promoting forgiveness and reconciliation by sending a “Garden Atonement” bouquet intended to reconnect and repair strained relationships. Who needs a forgiveness bouquet sent from your heart?
God prays for us as we reflect: “Flowers appear on the earth; the season of singing has come, the chirping of robin is heard in our land.” (Song of Solomon 2:12).
Lord, I pray for all my Sonshine friends who have experienced the crushing blows and pains of selfishness and felt insignificant. May we turn our hearts and gardens into images of forgiveness that reflect our God’s desire to reconcile all his creatures great and small.
