Photo and Commentary (c)2025 by Darren Milam
Wednesday, June 11, 2025
Back in late April, I was on a business trip to Costa Rica. During some downtime, I had the chance to visit a garden—and that’s where I came across this stunning Abutilon pictum. For those of us who don’t speak Latin, it’s more commonly known as a Flowering Maple or Chinese Lantern.
The color, the intricate pattern, and the way the bloom drapes downward like a delicate lantern really caught my eye.
I’ve said it before, but it’s worth repeating: the creativity of God, especially in the details of His floral designs, is absolutely incredible.
As I looked at this little “lantern,” I was reminded of the one we’re each called to carry. Jesus speaks to this in Matthew 5:14–16:
“You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.”
Just as God shares His beauty with us through His creations, we’re invited to reflect that light—to share His love with others. May we carry our lanterns with grace, letting them shine brightly in a world that needs His light.