Proteas are part of the fynbos floral kingdom of South Africa. There are 1600 species, and they have an incredible ability to adjust in response to the conditions. One of these is called Protea Recondita, or the hidden sugar bush. This unique flower doesn’t look like a flower because its leaves enfold the flower to protect it and its pollinators. It’s only if you curl back the leaves that the secret beauty that exists inside is revealed. In life, we can meet people who are themselves hidden flowers. On the outside, they look like everyone else – plain and simple leaves. But in their heart, they hide a beauty. A divine beauty. They have Jesus living in them. And when we get to sit with them for a while, the leaves are drawn aside, and we discover love, and joy, and peace that is truly amazing. God offers this hidden, divine beauty to us. All we need to do is accept it. “For you died to this life, and your real life is hidden with Christ in God. And when Christ, who is your life, is revealed to the whole world, you will share in all his glory” (Colossians 3:3-4). Open Bible – http://bit.ly/Col3v3-4
