Gifts In The Grass

Psalm 86:10 – For thou art great, and doest wondrous things: thou art God alone. (KJV)

2 Corinthians 9:10-11,15 – Now he that ministereth seed to the sower both minister bread for your food, and multiply your seed sown, and increase the fruits of your righteousness. Being enriched in every thing to all bountifulness, which causeth through us thanksgiving to God. Thanks be unto God for his unspeakable gift. (KJV)

On my first walk out after a week's worth of the 'flu, I was given a most glorious gift.

Each home is unique unto itself, both in architectural structure and ground management. Some are surrounded by fences of inanimate material, natural growth or neatly trimmed trees, while others lend themselves to whatever has been planted or placed between them and the adjoining lots.

I passed a lot locked in by big bushy fir, spruce and cedar trees, followed by one where the pool was protected by a naturally weathered wooden fence, then one which was wide open yet separated from the following lot by a fence of boards, bushes and trees.

Just past the trees, on a lawn littered by the grungy growth of winter's moss and last year's leaves, a smattering of the most beautiful, delicate mini-irises had sprung up. Short green stalks, supporting lively little lilac-coloured folds with yawning yellow centres, stood scattered in groups throughout the lawn — looking a little like a living canvas.

I love to look at flowers anywhere, but there's something special about flowers that find their way through seemingly adverse conditions such as creeping out from under a rock, pushing their way through patches in the pavement, cruising up through crushed rock or woodchips, careening around the corners of long-neglected cabins, or gathering in groups amidst a weathered lawn.

It is a perfect portrayal of the gifts we are given when we face adversity in our own lives. It parallels the lift given by a person who drops in just to say "Hi, how're you doing?" when we have a bad bout of the blahs; the call or card when we need most to know we matter; the smile extended when we are down; a financial gain when we think there's none to be found; a job when we're without — all the things that pop-up in our lives when we least expect them.

It also serves as a reminder that just as we are given such gifts, we can be the gift that is given to someone else facing adversity.

Prayer: Thank you, Lord, for blessing our days with little gifts along the way. May we be ever mindful of others for whom the small gift of a phone call, a card, or an outstretched hand may be a blessing. In your name we pray. Amen.

Forward this devotional     Share this devotional on Facebook     Like PresbyCan on Facebook