The Flowers of Love

This past weekend, my children brought me flowers for my birthday. They also gave me the promise of a bouquet every month for a year on the 6^th. It made me smile so deeply that my heart could feel the upturn. It reminded me of my husband’s gift, the same gesture, years ago. After that year, instead of sending me flowers, he grew flowers for me, but not just any flowers. He grew the flowering weeds I loved.

My favorite flowers actually are wildflowers: chicory, campion, ox-eyed daisies, milk week, columbine, and Queen Anne’s Lace. And every year, as I watched this farm boy from Iowa cultivate with love the very “weeds” he used to work hard to eradicate from the fields, I felt so loved. He knew the hours I spent in appreciation for my Creator by enjoying His creations even if they were considered weeds by most.

These wildflowers remind me of the LORD’s power and presence and divine design that isn’t always in sync with ours. They inspire me to consider myself having been planted at times in hostile territories. They flourish despite folks’ disdain. They are resilient regardless of the lack of appreciation they receive.

As the seeds, bulbs and roots awaken in the warming soils these spring days, I try to be a witness of faith. And I marvel at the LORD’s power and presence as the world He created continues on in its seasons. The newness of each day and the wonders it holds reminds me of the LORD who never sleeps nor slumbers, who is always with me, who tends to me like a gardener tends the blooms.

May this day bring us all closer to our LORD. And if our minds turn to Him in awe because of some miracle we witness or some humble weed that we know will produce much fruit, it is good. Let us take time this day and week to thank the LORD for Spring because He knows we need it.

Until tomorrow, let us all love well.