Photo and Commentary ©2025 by Darren Milam
Wednesday, May 21, 2025
Last year, we had the opportunity of visiting a local iris farm, where the sheer variety of irises was both stunning and a bit overwhelming as we tried to choose a few for our garden. A quick Bing search revealed that there are around 300 different variations of irises! Fortunately, this particular farm offered a generous selection, but not that many — I’d estimate at least 40 varieties. After carefully making our selections, the bulbs were shipped to us at the appropriate time, and we eagerly planted them, awaiting their bloom in early April.
As you can see in the image, the results did not disappoint. The vibrant hues and intricate details serve as a beautiful testament to God’s handiwork.
Watching them sprout from the very spot where we planted them reminded me of a powerful truth — irises don’t worry about how they’ll grow or what they’ll become; they simply respond to the light, water, and soil they’re given. In the same way, we are called to trust God, knowing that He is cultivating something beautiful in us, right where we are meant to be.
As the verse in Jeremiah 29:11 reminds us: *“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”
God has plans for each one of us. We are called to trust and obey. That trust allows God to work through us, providing the necessary ‘nutrients’ to anyone we come in contact with. That trust and obey process starts right at home and in our communities. This week, ask God to allow you to be used in the way He wants – projecting His beauty to others.