by Greg Marine Potential
Port Richey, Florida
I love taking walks around the lake near my home where I am living in Florida. At the time of this photo, I am just celebrating 4 years of Florida living and I had just finished up my walk that evening. I noticed this view of 3 stages of a magnolia blossom. The unopened blossom, the full bloom, and the final seed cone. I decided to capture this moment from the viewpoint of the seed cone. It reveals to me potential. The closed blossom in the back has a lot to look forward to, really. The seed cone is just as beautiful to me as the blossom in full bloom and the blossom yet to fully bloom.
In my own life, I am somewhere close to that closed blossom in the very back. 4+ years ago, I was most like the bud each of these would have started from. I was finally self-aware and starting my life over again…again 😆 I could finally see where I was going for the first time in my life. I enjoyed seeing this view and reflecting on where I had been and seeing the closed blossom as being where I am now. The blossom in full bloom is where I am heading next as I continue my life. The seed cone is where I’ll be when I leave the world.
I will not be in full bloom until I reach the full potential God created in me and enter into His Kingdom. I will remain the closed blossom as He continues to sanctify me in this life. My full potential is not yet realized. I can still see that potential and I look forward to the day when God’s Work in my life is complete. I really do not know what is in store for my future. I only really know where I have been, where I am now, and where my hope is. When my time here is over, I want to have left seeds of hope in the hearts of others that God will grow.
In the meantime, I will live the life God is growing in me. It will take patience to realize my full potential. I’ll find joy in the process because His process is far greater than my progress. If the seeds are scattered along my journey, perhaps they will take root in the hearts of others. Maybe they will find the same hope I have found in knowing that God is not finished with us yet.
