A Narrow Place

Minuscule seeds blown into a sidewalk crack quietly grew towards the sun. Tiny faces of Johnny Jump-ups bloomed purple, yellow and white on narrow stalks swaying in the now pounding rain. Did they bow their heads protectively, or did the force of the storm push them down? Either way, the well-named volunteer row of (somehow evenly spaced) tenacious, fragile-looking plants humbly bore the storm.

Loud thunder roared, sheets of rain poured…would the fat, heavy drops turn to hail? Great dust clouds whipped up between blowing waves of rain turned the sky deep vermilion in the setting sun. Lightening strikes bisected the sky, jagged paths a jolting contrast to the glorious color and arch of a brilliant rainbow. The grand display was breathtaking, and a promise of sweetly freshened air. While lightning continued to flash and clouds tumbled, thoughts came for those in narrow places who bore private storms of life. Like those small flowers, how were they fairing their own overwhelming, relentless, sometimes capricious tumults?

Often boundaries and limitations force us into a confining place not of our choosing or expectation. The old sayings of “keep your head down” and “bloom where you’re planted” are easy to voice, yet much harder to live by when enduring an uncomfortable narrow place. What an example are Johnny Jump-ups in their small, yet glorious, unassuming way. Near their kin blooming in the designated flower bed, these in a much narrower place are no different but for location. Worth, value, beauty, fulfilling their purpose…no less than those flourishing in the wider garden spot. Temptation to gently pull them out and transplant them has been resisted so far…they are a beautiful testament of living victoriously in a humble, narrow place.

No matter our personal confines – health issues, relational stresses, mental health challenges, material want, legal constraints, safety and social concerns, or any other limitation narrowing one’s place – each of us can grow fully, bloom beautifully, fulfill our purposes to glorify God. Even consequences of poor choices may be transformed into paths to great beauty. Nothing restricts or constrains the will of God for His people, nor His power to work all things together for the good of those who follow Him.

In a world bent on contrasts and comparisons, isolations and divisions, blurring and confusions, judgements and crucifixions, peace may be found in one’s narrow place. With God’s presence it matters not where one is constrained. God’s presence opens every prison wall…He is the One who brings Life and Hope to every place.

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LORD, thank You for these tiny reminders from nature to live fully the purposes You have for us no matter our situation. Thank You we are each uniquely made, designed specially by You. Guide us, please, into the full beauty of Your perfect will that we may glorify You. Thank You for Your Spirit of transforming grace. In Jesus’ name, Amen

Psalm 119:141-143 NKJV “I am small and despised,
Yet I do not forget Your precepts. 142 Your righteousness is an everlasting righteousness,
And Your law is truth. 143 Trouble and anguish have overtaken me,
Yet Your commandments are my delights.”

Psalm 115:13 “He will bless those who fear the Lord,
Both small and great.”

Romans 8:28 “And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.”