Be The One

The Christmas Cactus.  Such a beautiful plant with its deep dark leaves and beautiful coral flowers.  I have two of these lovely plants in my home and they have NEVER bloomed at Christmas time.  In fact, they have never bloomed in December.  Therefore, as I anticipate seeing their flowers in December, and they show up early, it seems as if it is a bit of a gift.  My larger Christmas cactus has started to bloom and has too many flowers to count.  Yet, this one that typically provides at least a dozen or so flowers has just one this year - one lowly flower.

As I watched the one bud turn into one flower over the past week, it reminded me of the beauty of one.  Although the cactus with all the flowers is beautiful, there is something simple and precious with this one.  Its beauty stands out.  Its uniqueness stands out.  Simply put, there is beauty in one.

There is so much happening in our world today, so much that seems to hinge on others - others' opinions, others' voices, others' actions.  We seem to have lost the beauty in one.  Where does that beauty lie and how can we "be the one"?

• Be The One that helps an elderly person in the store.
• Be The One that helps to pay for the single mom's groceries.
• Be The One that smiles and gives to the homeless person on the street.
• Be The One that provides a meal to a neighbor who is struggling.
• Be The One that makes that phone call to someone who is alone.

One might say, "that seems easy enough", and it may be.   Do we need to stretch a bit?  Let's try these:

• Be The One that starts and ends each day thanking God for all the blessings you have received.
• Be The One that reaches out to someone who is hurting and prays with them.
• Be The One that invites someone to church.
• Be The One that tells about the Good News of Jesus.

With all the hurt, all the frustration and all the anxiousness in our world today, Be The One that shines with all the wonderful deeds God has done for us.   For He is the One that gives all we have, He is the One that loves us unconditionally, He is the One that died for our sins and He is the One that is saving a place for us in heaven.  I urge all of us to Be The One that God has placed on this Earth to provide goodness and light.  Let God work his love through you so that you can Be The One for someone else.  

Heavenly Father, you are The One that created heaven and earth.  You are The One that provides us love and eternal life.  Help us to Be The One that you created, The One that shares your love with others, The One that brings the hope of your salvation to all those in need.  As we begin this November, may we be thankful for all you have given us, The One who bring us peace.  In your loving name we pray, Amen.