“Consider the Lilies of the Field”

Do we? Do we take time to consider the lessons of the simple flowers that surround us?

I like lilies. They’re some of my favourite flowers. I’ve planted them in most of the homes where I’ve lived – a snippet of beauty emerging from the soil to literally colour my day.

This week, in walking past some lilies, I spent some time considering them… the daylilies that open each morning and close each evening... the specialty asiatic lilies, whose tiny flowers resting atop dense greenery providing an early bloom in the garden. The spotted tigers or stargazers, whose exuberance in opening ensures it is noticed among the other flowers. The list continues.

Lilies are definitely worth noticing – and considering.

They carry with them the symbolism of femininity and fertility, rooted (pardon the pun) in the tales of Greek gods Hera and Zeus. They grow from hardy bulbs, not seeds, and so are easily transported and resilient in a wide variety of temperatures (sometimes unknown to us by the critters that dig them up!)

Lilies offer their distinct aroma – with enthusiasm! Which attracts bees and other pollinators throughout the season, thereby supporting ecosystems and food systems.

They can be consumed (ask any deer about their preferred variety!), their colours are enjoyable, they are ornamental for quite a long duration, they fit in every style of garden. In some places, they grow as weeds in ditches; ornamenting roadways with their elegance. It’s no mistake they are used in holiday bouquets, as a symbol of the Resurrection, and in heraldry.

And they offer to us so much more.

When Jesus invites us to consider the lilies of the fields, he is inviting us to consider not just the ascetic reality that they offer, or the obvious reminder to trust in God’s ever-present care. He is further giving us a metaphor: to appreciate the flexibility and versatility of the plants; growing where they are planted, blooming with the full potential they contain, offering their gifts freely regardless of their surroundings.

The lilies of the field are sprinkled throughout, as a means to remind us all of the beauty that God gives to the earth – and to us. And in reminding us to consider these wild flowers, Jesus reminds us to stop and be amazed by the beauty of the earth.

For it is there: growing in us and through us and for us: blooming joy into our hearts, and inspiring us to consider how we may brighten the world around us just as the lilies brighten our lives. 

Enveloped By Grace

I was writing some letters this week – not emails, but hand-written cards. Nothing special, just something to pop in the post to some dear ones.

I paused when placing the notecards into the envelopes, however, and my mind began considering the simplicity and efficiency of an envelope. One sheet of paper, trimmed and folded just-so, to encase the contents (in this case, a note). This serves several purposes; it provides the address for delivery information, it keeps the note card clean, it protects any additional contents tucked to the card. An envelope is adaptable; it can be in any number of sizes and shapes to accommodate the contents, it can be patterned or plain, it can be a colour to compliment the card it carries. It may be sealed anonymously by a machine, or sealed with a kiss by a loved one.

An envelope denotes, in its simplicity, an encompassing of something valued or important.

It brought to mind that I am – that we are – all contained within an envelope of sorts: we are enveloped by grace.

God values us, and surrounds us with simple and efficient means to be protected, directed, and provided for. God’s means may be simple or intricate, and come in many sizes.

We are enveloped by God’s grace.

God puts into our paths the people and situations that carry us through life’s journeys; the good times, the challenging times, the ordinary times. God’s grace encompasses us with those who care about us, and those who care for us; for long times and short, in big ways and small.

God also puts us into the path of others, that we too may extend this care and comfort, extending the grace which we already recognise we have received.

It’s a simple thing, an envelope, but for me it’s also a welcome reminder to carry into the world: I am enveloped by God’s grace.

Growing in Love

Suddenly, it seems, the month of June is upon us. Days are lengthening, temperatures are rising, gardens are planted… and now we wait for growth!

Gardening is a great metaphor for experiencing life. Seeds begin full of potential, emerging into new soil – ideally, a soil that will provide rich nourishment and a warm and hospitable environment.

Plants grow towards the sun, yearning for just the right amount, but careful not to get scorched by too much.

They drink deeply of the water, to ensure adequate hydration for healthy growth while establishing foundational root systems.

Plants benefit from relationship – with pollinators to enhance growth, with companion plants to discourage pests, with gardeners. For the gardeners work hard to ensure the life of the plant: pruning overgrowths that would deplete energy for full growth, weeding to remove choking and unhealthy invaders, establishing healthy boundaries, fertilising to enhance health.

And at the root of it all (pardon the pun) is love.

All things grow with love: love from the creator. For the creator blesses us with potential, provides us with one another, and showers us with abundant love: all that we might grow, into the full presence of who we are and whose we are. We were loved into being, and we are invited to love fully with those we encounter.

So as we consider our own gardens, literal and metaphorical, I invite us to reflect on how we are growing in love.

How is the spiritual soil warming around us? What nourishment are we receiving, and what do we need more of?

How firmly are we leaning towards the sun (and the Son?)

What areas of our life are thirsty for the Water of Life, and what areas are sated? Are we experiencing anything where we are over-saturated such that other healthy components are drowned? How firmly are we rooted and grounded in love?

Who is tending to our care – helping us to discern what in our life needs to be pruned or weeded, helping us in keeping our environment well-ordered and healthy?

How are we growing into love?