This week I did something a wee bit unusual for me. I cracked open some acrylic paints, grabbed a blank sheet for my canvas, and set to work. Creating some art that only a mom would call a masterpiece, but that showed part of my heart nevertheless.

If you look closely [some imagination required] you’ll see a bunch of tulips in an overly large vase.

I don't even like tulips.

{I mean, in Pella I put up with them only because it means Smoky Row too.}

Why tulips then?

Tulips are originally grown in cold-winter climates, but often they are exported to other regions [i.e: Pella, Iowa]. When they are planted outside of their natural environment, the seed has to be placed around 8 inches further down to protect from harsh weather.

So, to answer "why?" I too have been “exported” to Cambodia, and placed in an unusually harsh climate. This atmosphere requires me to be deeply planted for survival in the middle of the winter season.

The weather is harsh and its fire burns hot, yet I can rejoice in it. I have been protected from the difficult elements because His love is the soil that keeps me safe. Wrapped in His love, and surrounded by His joy that pours out of it.  

This Advent season I am properly in awe – again – of Christ’s seed that came down in all humility. Fully human, knowing and living through our pain, so we could be planted in Him.

What about you? Are you finding yourself barely hanging onto life during this season? Dig into the Lord deeper so that in the middle of harsh realities His beauty will move your heart to praise.