As you might’ve guessed from the title, I am not a gardener. As such, I’ve planted mostly perennials, anything ranging from a common knock-out rose to a few more exotic species of plants. I’m assuming, of course, that perennials are low-maintenance.
The problem with creating a beautiful flower bed is the weeds that prodigiously sprout alongside my approved plants. I’ve learned it’s easier to pull them out quickly while their roots aren’t so deep. I’ve also discovered that no matter what we do to prevent their return, we just can’t keep weeds completely out of those flower beds. In my zeal to get rid of them, I’ve probably uprooted flowers. In my defense, identifying weeds can be tricky, especially if they bloom.
My husband and I took a road trip recently—just a day’s drive to enjoy the sunshine and local scenery.
We visited a few antiques stores, explored many backroads, and saw rolling hills, lake views, and fields of flowers such as the one shown.
I was struck by the beauty of these fields. How they, though wild, offered me a lovelier sight that any of the meticulously pampered gardens I’d been trying to create. And it reminded me of a particular verse.
Matt. 6:30 But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is alive and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will he not much more clothe you? O you of little faith? ESV
Later, I googled yellow wild flowers in May and was given several possibilities. Here’s the interesting thing about most of them mentioned…they’re considered weeds, but many have healing properties, too. A surprising benefit to something we usually pull out.
Facts aside, this isn’t a pitch to let the wild flowers grow in our garden beds, but it did get me thinking about any spiritual application of God’s natural provision versus our view of those pesky invaders.
What if there are interlopers or inconveniences present in our lives that don't fit within our guidelines and drive us crazy, but given the perspective of seeing the whole picture—there are hidden blessings and they're actually creating a masterpiece?