By Cynthia Simmons

“Splendor and majesty are before him; strength and beauty are in his sanctuary” ( Psalm 96:6).

I grow cattellya orchids indoors, and I love to watch the fragile buds swell until they pop so the delicate petals can unfurl a little at a time. Breathtaking!

I feel as if I am seeing the hand of God at work. The frilly lip is the last to open, and then a light fragrance tinges the air. The sweet aroma lasts during the day until the flower starts to fade.

My favorite orchid produces a spray of five or six blue-lavender flowers, each the size of a silver dollar. I have a larger plant that bears blooms about four inches in diameter in groups of three or four. Some blossoms sparkle like glitter. Exquisite.

My heart overflows with praise as I care for these plants. I’m reminded of Romans 1:20. “For his invisible attributes, namely, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world, in the things that have been made.”

What an incredible display of God’s creativity and power graces my home. I think God is beautiful beyond our imagination. Orchids give me a taste of heaven, and I feel his presence as they dazzle me with beauty.

Make a point to look around at God’s handiwork and praise him. Better yet, stay close to him and reflect his majesty.

Cynthia L Simmons and her husband reside in Atlanta. A Bible teacher and former homeschool mother, she writes a column for Leading Hearts Magazine. She served as past president of Christian Authors Guild, directs Atlanta Christian Writing Conference, and hosts Heart of the Matter Radio. Her author website is www.clsimmons.com.