For several years I’ve enjoyed three miniature African Violets
as part of my kitchen window vignette. In watering them I spilled water on the
window sill and moved one of them to the counter to wipe it up. I had never paid much attention to this one
because it was rather boring to look at.
The leaves seemed pale and the blooms were nondescript compared to the profuse,
deep purple ones on the plant next to it.
As I reached to put it back in the window sill, I was
stunned at what I saw. Instead of pale, washed
out leaves I saw vibrant green and cream-colored variegated patterns. There was
one bloom and several stalks loaded with tiny buds that would soon open to
reveal a unique shade of lavender. It really was a beautiful little violet!
It was easy to see the analogy. When I looked at the plant from its side it had
no appeal. But when I looked at it in a different setting and from a different view,
I realized its true beauty; I saw it in a different way. We see each other from a side view, so to
speak, not realizing and appreciating the true beauty of the person within. God sees us from every angle, inside and
out. He sees each person’s true beauty
and loves us without partiality. Perhaps
we would do well to remember to look at each other from a different view, more
like God looks at us.
