Bloom...

Bloom... even when it's dark?

This was the view out my front window at 8am this morning.  The light shining in on my wall was eerily red.

We here in North Central Washington are in the midst of what I think is the worst fire season I've ever seen in the 22 years my family has lived here.  The sky has gone dark and many homes have been lost this evening.

We would greatly covet your prayers for safety first and foremost, for the many fire personnel fighting in the midst of high winds and heat.  Then for the winds to be calmed and the heat to fall.

We've been through this before and we will come out on the other side.  Is that what it means to bloom?  To continue to go on, even in the midst of whatever comes your way?

My sunflower was taking a beating from the high winds tonight, but it was still there, blooming, the first one I've ever successfully grown.

And this was the darkened red sky it was blooming under.

Somehow somewhere Christians have gotten the idea that our life should be easy with Jesus in charge.  And then when it's not we get disillusioned.

Where did we get that idea?  Life is not easy. Not on this broken planet.

But there is still beauty to be found amid the ashes.  And we can be the ones bringing that beauty.

Bloom.  No matter the circumstances.  (that's me talking to myself again. ;)  It's a choice!

(and by the way?  this is not at all where I thought this post was going, it often happens that way...)

This is a post prompt from Lisa-Jo. Join in? If you don't have a blog or don't want to write there I'd love to have you write with me, even in the comments!