Some flowers bloom Off-season

It's winter in Maringá and the weather could not be better (of course I would wish for snow and negative temperatures, but for a place where most of the year you can fry an egg on the heat of the sidewalk, this time of the year is the best).

Winter is marked by a period of rest, at least for the plants. It is when they pause their growing and the green is not as strong. But there is a tree called ypê roxo, and it reaches the peak of its beauty during this season. While all other plants seem to be struggling to survive, the ypê shifts its green to a whole bloom of pink bouquets. It looks like she is ready for a royal ball in her party gown.

The city looks amazing, and as a dream, I see the sidewalks being covered by pink leaves as they start releasing from the bouquet. It's been a while since I have been hearing a whisper of the Spirit saying: "Flowers also bloom during winter."

As I gaze upon God's creation, I consider what He could be revealing through that. I cannot say that I've gotten to the full measure of His revelation, but part of this is starting to take root within my heart. Some time ago, I wrote an original psalm for an assignment, and I wrote that God should be praised in all circumstances; that His power cannot be contained and He cannot be put in a box. God is not limited to seasons, although He set them up as a pattern.

A word comes to my mind in Jeremiah 17. It says:

"Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord, whose trust is the Lord. He is like a tree planted by water, that sends out its roots by the stream, and does not fear when heat comes, for its leaves remain green, and is not anxious in the year of drought, for it does not cease to bear fruit." (Jeremiah 17:7-8)

The Lord does not withhold blooming just because it's winter. While some need the heat and the water, others will be worked in the drought and cold. The Lord, and not myself, will determine when the right timing is. But the word of encouragement to me is that He doesn't have to wait for the expected season. Therefore, my heart also doesn't have to wait for a special occasion to pour out praise and worship.

I imagine how valuable an off-season flower is, and how much more attention a winter flower calls to the eyes. Uniqueness is another word that sparks in my mind.

Sometimes I look around comparing myself with the way I should be bearing fruit or blooming flowers. But off-season flowers are reminding me that God works in unexpected ways and chooses when and how we will display His glory through our lives.

Again, the work of Christ in us may look different from one person to another. My job is to remain in Him and—whether the circumstances are good or bad, hot or cold—let the proper environment be created for a full blooming.

• I'm not delayed; God has the right timing.

• The coldness of this season may be exactly what I need for the blooming.

• Flowers off-season are unique and valuable.

• Walk by faith and not by sight. Hallelujah!