Springtime, Imperfections, and the Beauty of Truth

As the Bible reminds us in Ecclesiastes, "God has made everything beautiful in its time." And truly, spring is a spectacular season that brings the beauty of God’s creation to light in ways that are impossible to ignore. The world shines with color!

In my own yard, the plants have been showcasing their talents, and I can't help but snap a few photos. So, naturally, I want to post these pictures online. But here's the thing: I can't help but feel a little concerned. People might see these photos of my blossoming garden and think I have some perfect, well-maintained flower bed. The truth is, it's not quite that picture-perfect. These are just a few random plants that happen to be blooming right now. The reality? Not a meticulously planned, perfectly curated garden, just some flowers in their own time and place. (And our adorable puppies have taken to trying to eat all the petals falling from the wisteria which means we end up with a lot of puppy puke….not at all the picture perfect scenario I’d make public!)

Still, I keep sharing the beauty I see, because who doesn't love a little sunshine in their feed? But it made me pause and think about something deeper—how often do we share glimpses of our lives, only showing the highlights, and unintentionally create an image of perfection? We all have our moments, don't we? The truth is, it’s easy to fall into the trap of thinking we have to present a picture of having it all together. But the reality is far from flawless. We all face struggles, challenges, and moments of imperfection.

In his song "Truth Be Told," Matthew West sings, "There's no failure or fall God doesn't already know." And isn't that such a comforting thought? No matter how perfect we may try to appear on the outside, God knows the full story, the ups and the downs, and the beauty of it all.

So, while I continue to share the beauty around me, I want to remind myself—and you—that life is a mix of blooming moments and fading flowers. It’s okay not to have it all together. In fact, it’s in those imperfections that the real beauty often shines. The truth of who we are, our struggles, and our journeys make us real. And that’s often how we will make a difference in the lives of other people.

It’s nice to have a friend to chat and pray with to share those seasons of struggle.  Let’s remember: we don’t need to hide behind perfection. It’s the honest moments that reveal where our strength comes from. So, here's to embracing both the blooms and the imperfections in our lives. They are, after all, both part of the masterpiece that God is creating in us.

This one actually is intentional....our new planter under the sign in front of Hope FM.