Flower by the Wayside

Have you ever noticed the wildflowers that grow along the sides of the roads as we pass through our picturesque province? Crocuses push through the earth to welcome spring, pink wild roses spread their fragrance throughout the summer months and the wild sunflowers beckon to us as fall gently eases us into winter. I often ponder the placement of these and so many other wildflowers that beautify our Saskatchewan landscape. Did God put that rose right there just for me to breathe in its beauty? Did He know that I would be speeding by on my way to something that seemed so pressing at the time that I didn’t have time to appreciate the beauty? Does He look at me and wonder when I will stop and smell the roses? As I asked the Lord what He wanted me to share with you this week, I was reminded of a song I learned in my childhood called “Consider the Lilies.” It reminded me of the verses found in Matthew 5:28 & 29. “... why do you worry about clothing? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they neither toil nor spin; and yet I say to you that even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these.” This summer I’ve breathed in some breathtaking scenery, especially enjoying a bike escapade with Hubby and the girls through the hiking trails at Douglas Park. It was glorious to see nature at its finest. Along the path was one lone Tiger Lily. Seeing it standing straight and tall amongst the grasses ministered to the depths of my soul. Did He place that flower there just for me to see? I’m mindful of how much more God wants to look after us. He wants us to know that every thing... every need... will be supplied. “Therefore, DO NOT WORRY, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For after all these things the Gentiles seek. For your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things.” Let’s remind ourselves of this! Worrying doesn’t earn us any medals. He’s got us covered! The passage goes on to remind us to put first things first. “Seek FIRST the Kingdom of God and His righteousness (His way of doing and being right) and all these things (food, drink, clothes, and whatever else you could add to that list)... will be added to you.” Be at peace that you will be cared for. Your needs WILL be supplied as you seek after the Kingdom of God and His way of doing and being right. You are far more valuable than a small flower on the side of the road. Have a blessed week! “Therefore I tell you, stop being perpetually uneasy (anxious and worried) about your life, what you shall eat or what you shall drink; or about your body, what you shall put on. Is not life greater [in quality] than food, and the body [far above and more excellent] than clothing? Look at the birds of the air; they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father keeps feeding them. Are you not worth much more than they?” Scripture references: Matthew 6:25-33