I walked through the Birmingham Botanical Gardens recently. The energy and creativity of God in nature is a perfect way to reflect on the mission and vision of New Hope Publishers and WorldCrafts. I wasn’t alone but there weren’t many braving the nearly 100 degree temperatures that have been everyday occurrences all summer.
At first I wasn’t sure how many flowers would be blooming in the heat, but I discovered that in every difficult environment there are always a few who thrive.
Every flower on this bush had died except for this one branch. The other blossoms had given in to the heat, but these few buds continued to thrive. The branch caught my attention because of the yellow where all I had seen was green. Do you think that those who thrive under pressure become more visible as the crowd around them dwindles?
Thriving isn’t about size. So what is it about? These little flowers were jewels of white adding color in the summer heat. 
I probably wouldn’t have stopped at this spot but I saw the dangling strings of white calling out from below. Each flower was so delicate. Do you think the fact that they hang together gives them stamina even though they are small?
I came around a curve and there by the path were leaves of the same kind but one plant was white and one was red. 
Apart they were nice, but beside each other they were stunning.
The variety of color caused me to want to see how I could put color together in my garden. Since I don’t have a garden, this will be a plan for the future. Meanwhile, how do we add color to the mission of New Hope and WorldCrafts?
The roses were abundant. I believe roses love the sun. I had to choose from the variety of colors so I wandered from bush to bush enjoying the options. Do you have a favorite color? Whatever your color I am sure you would have found them in the rose garden. 
This rose garden has accomplished its mission. How do we fulfill our mission?
While I was walking, a grandmother, mother, and two granddaughters crossed my path. People are our focus at both New Hope and WorldCrafts. We are thriving under pressure and perhaps because of this we will be ever more successful in fulfilling our mission.
