Crested and flawed
Did you know that succulents can have a genetic defect that produces a crowded, twisted rosette or flattened stem known as crested or cristate form? All plants have meristem tissue which has undifferentiated cells that undergo cell division. Crested succulents are formed when the mutation occurs at the growth point where the meristem cells are situated. These cells are the plant version of human stem cells that develop into many different tissue types. A normal plant has a single growing point for a single rosette, but due to seasonal changes, diseases or any stress on a young plant, multiple growing points are created and hence the bunching effect with smaller, thinner leaves. As these plants are rare and unusual they are more expensive compared to normal plants, and they can also revert back to normal if left alone. The picture below shows a normal Echeveria Topsy Turvy plant and in a crested form.
In our journey of life, we look at ourselves, our present circumstances and see only our weaknesses, our flaws or our imperfections, blaming our genetics, our upbringing or any excuses that we can think of. We always want to be perfect and perform to stand out, to impress and to be accepted by others. Stop comparing your life with others and get frustrated about things that you cannot change. Do not let these flaws define you. Let your imperfections help you to grow closer to God and force you to depend on Him more. God loves us unconditionally despite our imperfections, and this is enough to wipe away all our insecurities, our defects. God knew what He was doing when He created us exactly the way He wanted us to be. In contrast to these plants, we do not need to have a defect to be highly priced, God created us in His own image and we are fearfully and wonderfully made for His purpose only, trust Him.
Are you holding on to your flaws and living in emotions, or letting go and trusting His work on your behalf for His unique plan and purpose for your life?
