color from the ground

Spring is here in Virginia.  In fact it has been so warm over the past few days that it almost feels like we've skipped through to summer.  But after a long, wet, and cold winter the warmth and the colors and the longer days are much appreciated.  I have been thinking about the colors we see in the flowering plants and trees.  Some of the trees seemed to open up in blossom literally overnight.  During most of the year, without blossom, many of these trees just fade into the background, when they are without leaves, or simply green like other vegetation.  But there is this relatively brief time in early spring when we are treated to a rainbow of colors.  It occurred to me that this is a great wonder.  Close your eyes and picture the hues of trees and plants that you have seen over the past few weeks...lavender, violet, yellow, red...and many shades between.  It amazes me to think that God can bring such color from the ground.  After all, dirt is not very colorful.   Somehow He locked the ingredients and the recipe for color in the soil and in the genetic code of each plant.   Some would say that the flowers are just a creative way to attract and feed insects, which then pollinate other plants.  But I would say that the insects are God's method of creating more flowers.  You may personally feel that your life is as dull as dirt, but it is good to remember that it is God who has locked the ingredients and the code for color within.  We live for Him and we live to reflect His beauty.  Our blossoms are delicate and temporary here on the earth but that only intensifies the beauty.  We cannot manufacture this color out of our willpower anymore than a daffodil can choose the shade of its flower.  But you and I have a beauty and a color that blesses our Father in Heaven and He is a tender gardener.

 

Song of Solomon 6: ^11-12 One day I went strolling through the orchard,
                                              looking for signs of spring,
                                           Looking for buds about to burst into flower,
                                               anticipating readiness, ripeness.
                                            Before I knew it my heart was raptured,
                                               carried away by lofty thoughts!

 

blessings,

Rob Smith