Pretty Pinkness

 
 I snapped this picture in Orlando, Florida last month.  I like the way droplets of water sit like scattered diamonds on the beautiful pink leaves of this poinsettia.  Shades of pale to deep pink with just a touch of green and yellow all add to the fresh beauty of this Poinsettia Portrait.

It's interesting how poinsettias have become "THE Christmas flower."  The legend of their association with Christmas started way back in the 16th century.  They say a young girl who was too poor to offer a gift to celebrate Jesus' birthday was inspired by an angel to gather weeds and place them on the church altar.  Miraculously, blossoms sprouted from the weeds and became beautiful poinsettias.  Regardless of the origin, they certainly brighten our Hampton Roads area this time of year when no other flowers are blooming.

The poinsettia is native to Mexico and was introduced to the United States in 1825.  The plant's Star pattern is also a reminder of the Star of Bethlehem.  Here's the larger group of flowers from which I captured the beauty above.

When I look at all the wonders in the world around me, I am full of praise for our So-Great God who created it all.  Each unique blossom in this bouquet of poinsettias is totally different -- just as each one of us in this vast world of millions and millions of people are totally different -- and, I might add, totally loved and cared for by this amazing, awesome God!

 

"The Lord by wisdom founded the earth; by understanding He established the heavens; by His knowledge the deeps were broken up and the skies drip with dew" Proverbs 3:19-20. 

 

"The skies drip with dew...."  I can just envision God dripping dew from heaven, gently sprinkling these delicate, colorful poinsettias that He'd fashioned and then smiling at the beautiful picture He'd created.  I'm so glad I could join Him in admiring the work of His Hands -- and I'm so glad you could come along with me.