When I planted the flowers in mid-May, they were nowhere near the 6,000 annuals planted in the gardens at Yanni Heritage Park, but they were enough to brighten up the front door, and I was blown away by their beauty.
Reverend Sharon Reese
It’s hard for me to believe that so much color can come from a seed the size of a pinhead, and once I plant it in a pot on my porch, its only purpose is to bring me joy (and release a little extra oxygen into the air).
Every morning they proudly parade themselves about, and ask for nothing, except a little water, unless heaven grants it.
Most years, I take this for granted. I pick the healthiest plants I can find instead of letting the dead ones grow. I throw the rest in the trash. I fuss when the dead petals end up in all the wrong places.
But this year is different. My church members and I spent six weeks learning about tending creation, and it has given me a new perspective. God has surrounded me with endless natural beauty, and I vow to never take it for granted again. I could never create every single leaf, flower, and foliage. That is God’s domain.
Anyone else reading this…
In the beginning there was God. Out of the formless void He created trees and plants and fruits and seeds. On a Cosmic Wednesday. And it was wonderful and wonderful and complex.
And so, on this Cosmic Friday afternoon, we came. To care for and tend this earthly garden. Humanity is tasked with protecting this garden from harm. We have been given the ability to nurture creation so that it not only survives, but thrives. We have been given a hand to bring creation back to life, even in the face of torrential rains and scorching heat. We are God’s holy stewards.
In the beginning there was God. On day one there was God and nothing else. Despite knowing this, I sometimes wake up in the morning and think I created my world. I bought the sturdy bed and sewed the comfortable quilt. I picked the paint and designed the patio. It’s all me.
Until I see those flowers and remember who was there on Day 1. I have the important role of lovingly tending to them on Friday afternoons.
And when we can see the flowers in this new light, everything shines brighter. May we be stewards of God’s wonderful creation this summer and every summer.
Author Rev. Sharon Reese is pastor of Westminster United Presbyterian Church in Minden.
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