MAY 16, Revelation 7:9

“I love flowers! And you make such pretty bouquets and centerpieces, Mom,” said Kara as she and her mother worked in the flower garden, selecting and cutting flowers for bouquets. “It’s fun to help you with your home florist business,” Kara added. “You’re so creative.”

Mom smiled. “Thanks, honey,” she said, looking at the wide variety of flowers in the hall. “I’m glad you like my arrangements and think I’m creative, but…” Mom paused and motioned to the flower beds all around them. “I’m not nearly as creative as God is. Look at all the different kinds of flowers He made!”

“I know,” agreed Kara. “There are so many colors, and they’re all so pretty! White and yellow daisies, red and pink dahlias—and the roses and lilies come in all sorts of pretty colors.” “Yes,” said Mom, “and it’s not just the colors that are different. The petals are also different. Lilies are shaped like trumpets, daisy petals are like teardrops, baby’s breath is like little stars, and gladiola petals are all stylish.” She smiled. “God made people like that, too,” she added after a moment.

“Are you saying we’re stylish and like little stars?” teased Kara. Mom laughed. “No, but He made people with different colors of skin and hair and eyes,” she said. “Even body shapes are different—people can be tall or short, round or thin. Their hair might be straight, wavy, or curly.”

Kara grinned. “That makes them more interesting than if they were all alike,” she said. “I think so, too—I’m glad we’re not all exactly the same as everybody else,” said Mom. “We gather a variety of flowers for our bouquets, and the Bible says God will gather believers from every tribe, tongue, and nation to worship Him in heaven. Won’t it be wonderful, honey, to praise the Lord along with believers from all around the world?” Kara’s eyes widened. “Like a human bouquet!” she exclaimed. “Now that’s a lovely thought, Kara,” Mom said with a big smile. “A beautiful human bouquet!”

Thought: Do you wonder what it will be like to worship God with people from everywhere? In heaven, there will be believers from every tribe, tongue, and nation!

Prayer: Thank you, Heavenly Father, thank you for the wonderful reminder that in heaven, what an amazing time that will be! May I learn now to accept and appreciate the huge variety of people You have made, and to learn to love them. Help me not to judge people on their looks or background, too. This I humbly pray in Jesus’ name, amen.