The Lilac Bush

“God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them.” (Romans 8:28 NLT)

Our lilac is filled with sweet-scented, purple blooms, animated by the gentle breeze. This wasn’t always the case. At first I planted it on the north side of our property. I wanted it to be a hedge. It didn’t thrive. After a few years, I replanted it closer to the house, right outside the east-facing window where I sit and pray every morning. Over the last decade, it has grown exponentially. Its purpose was not to be a hedge after all, but to fill me with hope and inspiration.

“Earth's crammed with heaven, And every common bush afire with God; And only he who sees takes off his shoes.” (Elizabeth Barrett Browning)

God may have spoken to Moses through a burning bush, but He whispered to me through a lilac bush. I didn’t hear any voices, but I listened nonetheless: Put your hope in the Lord. Trust Him. Even  poor choices can be used for His purposes. Every detail of our lives shall be worked into something good.