Two weeks ago I hit a hydro pole on my way to work. Can’t quite account for what went wrong – between looking up in my mirror to that moment of impact, my memory is fuzzy. I’m still coming to terms with it, honestly. So, it’s been two weeks of needing to physically to slow down and recuperate.
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As I’ve gotten outside more and more this past week, I was delighted to discovered these zinnias in the garden had finally decided to bloom. It’s been a warm autumn and with all the rest of the garden plants done and gone, these little buddies have finally had the room to shine. A little bit of awe in my week.
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The thing is, all summer there was a pesky creature that kept eating off the buds before they could bloom. It made me sad because if you know me, you know I LOVE my flowers. And these ones have sentimental value for a few reasons. It felt like a personal offence that they were prevented from blooming.
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So imagine my surprise when seemingly “out of season” when everything else is becoming barren and hunkering in for the coming winter, these blooms showed up.
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Being forced to be still has been a challenge for me lately. Rest doesn’t come easy. As a natural contemplator/self-reflector/introspector, I have had time to think. Too much. In wondering what lies ahead for me, I also slip into reviewing the last few years. While there have been high points and cherished moments, there are also those where bridges were burned or I let people down or made mistakes or just didn’t live up to what I had hoped to be. It’s hard to face that side of me but it is there nonetheless.
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But a few nights ago, like these little rays of sunshine popping out of the dead leaves and vines, I heard the words “you are a precious treasure”. When all I could do is heap blame and bad names on myself, those are the words that cut through when I least expected it. I kid you not.
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I’ve had to let it sit for a while, try it on and see how it feels…to really believe I am a precious treasure. Just as I am, all told, negatives and positives out of balance but always still coming out worth something. There is only One source of that kind of grace and love: Jesus. 
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Did you know you are a precious treasure? Do you believe it to be true? I pray you do, I really do.
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