Sad Endings, New Beginnings

   A few months ago, four out of the five orchids growing in our laundry room showed signs of blooming. Sometimes this happens only once a year; and for most of them to bloom at the same time was really amazing. One night, however I reached over one of the plants to close the blinds on the window and accidently broke off a long spike. Oh no!

   After waiting so long for the orchids to bloom, I was really disappointed about my carelessness. I waited for a few weeks hoping that maybe another one would grow from that same stem but finally decided to cut it back, close to the leaf.   

   Ever since our neighbor, Darlene, taught me how to keep orchids alive and healthy, I have had a few growing in the laundry room. Darlene contacted us after she was diagnosed with ALS, wondering if we knew anyone who would like her orchids. She was a real enthusiast and had dozens of them lined up along east facing windows in her dining room. As her health deteriorated, she decided to give them away. Many were donated to Porterville College and to the Tulare County Master Gardeners group.

   She and I became close friends during the last few years of her life. It was a privilege to be with her when she made the decision to accept Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior, a truly joyful occasion! Losing Darlene was difficult and sad, but it was comforting to know that she was beginning a new life in heaven with Jesus.

    Jesus’ life also had a sad ending. After ministering to people and proclaiming the good news of the gospel for only three years, He died tragically at a young age. But Jesus suffered humiliation and death on a cross out of love for us, so that through faith in Him we might be saved from our sins and have eternal life.

   Thankfully, His story did not end there. About three days later He was resurrected from the dead, appearing first to Mary Magdalene and then to many other followers, including Thomas who had to see the wounds in Jesus’ hands and feet before believing that He was alive. Through His death and resurrection, Jesus made a new beginning possible for all who put their trust in Him.

   Now back to the orchids. After coming home from a week with our family in Michigan, I noticed something different about the one which I had inadvertently damaged. There was a short brownish stem growing out from between the leaves. It was a spike! Another chance… hurray!

    Are you ready for a change in your life? You too can make a new start through the power and the transforming work of the Holy Spirit. Wondering how to do that? Thank God for His amazing love and plan for your life. Realize that because He is holy, sin has created a separation between you and the Almighty God. Pray to Him, confessing your sins and asking Christ into your life, surrendering control to Jesus so that He might become your Savior and Lord.  Allow God to fill you with His Spirit; let Him change you daily and thank Him, always thank Him! Happy Easter! Happy New Beginnings! He loves you!

   “…Jesus came and stood among them and said, ‘Peace be with you!’ Then he said to Thomas, ‘Put your finger here; see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it into my side. Stop doubting and believe!

   Thomas said to him, 'My Lord and My God!'

   Then Jesus told him, ‘Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.’” John 20:26a-29 NIV