One Bead at a Time

As I entered my workplace today my attention was immediately drawn to a spectacular Bead Tree.  There in the middle of our common office area was a new tree growing.  Hundreds of colourful strands of beads draped and hung gently to transform what once only held coats. It was an amazing sight.  All day we were delighting in the beautiful colours.  Expressive greens, forest and lime mixed with the blues of glacial lakes and unknown depths.  Reds and oranges and rich purples reminding us of sun's glow.  Each bead carefully fashioned from rolled paper and chosen with others to make exquisite necklaces and bracelets.

Adding to the delight is the dream behind the beads.  Bead by bead, necklace by necklace, one of our number is following his heart and dream.  It is not an easy or straightforward dream, but step by step he is heading forward to make a difference in the life of a child.  The beads and necklaces are made in Africa where the dream began.  Hidden in the daily living, but with powerful strength underneath, our colleague and his wife are climbing the mountain of adoption from Africa, just one step at a time.

I am reminded that dreams are like those necklaces.  It takes time to fashion those colourful beads and then to carefully string them together.  All the beads fit together to make the lovely necklace that then gives so much joy.  Kids reaching for my necklace today.  Colours radiating.   Delight in small beauty.

Seek after your dreams, one bead at a time.  Take those little steps along the way with joy and wonder.  Let each unique bead be specially and carefully strung with the others to fashion the gift and direction of your special life.  I am wearing a necklace of blue with love and prayer for all the lives touched both now and as the story unfolds.  To dreams, to life, to Africa and to child not yet known I give my heart!