Consider the Lilies of the Field

Listen:

“Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they neither toil nor spin, yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his glory was not clothed like one of these. So do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring worries of its own. Today’s trouble is enough for today.” Matthew 6:28, 29, 34

Reflect:

Gardening has always been my go-to when I am in need of solace. Whether it is to grieve, vent, or to work out a difficult situation, it helps to put all of life in perspective. Time stands still for me as I toil in body and mind. Gardening brings me joy.

I’m always amazed each spring when the perennials poke their little heads out of the earth and slowly become beautiful flowers that attract animals and humans alike. It is an ah ha moment of God’s continued faithfulness from cold dark seasons into the light.

I once foolishly thought that when my children were grown and my parental duties were unneeded anymore, that many of my worries and sleepless nights would be resolved. ‘Not at all true, and then… grandkids entered the scene. Back on my knees I went, praying and waiting, weeping, and yes, sometimes (more often than not) worrying.’

In a world darkened by cruelty, violence, pain, and loss there was good reason for me to worry and even better reason to go to my garden to work and talk with God.

‘Ah Yes!
For these bursts of color and beautiful blooms
are bright dabs of grace,
witnesses to a promise,
reminders of a spreading beauty
more eternal and therefore stronger,
than any evil, than any grief, than any injustice or violence.’ 
(Every Moment Holy)

What is the source of their beauty? They are a creation of Our Father. He has not and will not abandon us, His broken and rebellious creation. He continually forgives. He comforts the broken, and the suffering. One day all will be made right.

That is my hope. The flowers and all nature proclaim His faithfulness.

Prayer of Response:

“O Lord who so lavishly adorns the fields, how radiant must your eternal glories be.” (Every Moment Holy) Thank you Lord for the promise of eternity with You!

Questions to Ponder:

What is your go-to when worry/anxiety threatens to overshadow your faith and hope?

Sometimes one can get so caught up in the seriousness of the moment we forget to pause, breathe and look up. What change might you need in your life rhythms to help you keep an eternal perspective?

—Submitted by Stephanie Edsall
Stephanie and her husband Mike currently live in Beverly Massachusetts, and enjoy spending time with their grandchildren. They work for the Navigators, traveling to support and resource ministries in Western and Central Europe. Stephanie is on the Global Leadership Team of Lifesprings International and serves on the prayer team and PACT (Peace Amidst Conflict Training team) She enjoys gardening, cooking, reading, and pretty much any other activity that involves being outdoors. Recently she and her husband have been participating in silent retreats, which involve kayaking on beautiful lakes in Massachusetts.