When I left my place of employment 35 years ago, I was given an hibiscus tree in a pot. We moved it with us, and it grew into a beautiful tree that was about four feet tall and three feet wide. In the summer, we would put it outside, and then bring it in during the fall season. It would flower throughout the winter, and then we would repeat the process. Occasionally, we would have to treat it for flies and other ailments.

Last fall when it was time for it to come in, it seemed to be struggling a bit, so we took a sample down to the local garden centre. The owner diagnosed it as having a disease common to these plants that can be outside. He said that there was no treatment for it.

But he had no idea how much this plant meant to us. We did a bit of research and changed the soil, but it continued to deteriorate. By January of this year, it had no leaves; it was just a trunk with branches. We admitted defeat and put it outside for the remainder of the winter. We live in Canada, with snow and very cold winter temperatures. When spring came, we figured that it was time to dispose of it. I started to cut it back and put it into bags. My husband said that I should leave the trunk for now.

About two weeks later, the trunk started to show green leaves. We were ecstatic. We moved it back to the garden for the summer, and I am happy to report that we just brought it back into the house this fall. It has a long way to go to regain the growth it once had, but with time and nurture, we will see flowers from this plant again.

As I reflect on this, I am reminded of the times when Jesus saw life in people when no one else did. At times, even His disciples were unable to see what He saw. Jesus saw the faith of a paralyzed man and his friends who lowered him through the roof to Jesus. Jesus saw Matthew, the tax collector turned disciple. Then in the midst of a crowd, a bleeding woman touched just His cloak and found herself healed. When the people came to hear Him preach the good news and receive healing, Jesus saw them with a shepherd's eye:

Matthew 9:36 – When he saw the crowds, he felt compassion for them because they were distressed and dejected, like a sheep without a shepherd. (CSB)

It is so easy for us to see a person or a circumstance and make a negative judgement call, but what if we took our view from what Jesus sees? And what about you when your life seems to show no hope and needs life? What possibilities does Jesus see in you?

Prayer: Dear Jesus, thank You that You came for us to have abundant life. Thank You that even though others can see no hope in people and situations, we have a God Who sees life in everything. Help us to be close in relationship with You, Who always sees life in us. In Your name, we pray. Amen.

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About the author:

Julie Bowles <julieanni@rogers.com>
Barrie, Ontario, Canada
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