I passed a field of wildflowers on my morning walk and was captivated by how they seemed to eagerly wait for the new day. They aligned facing east and looked like they were straining to catch that first glimpse of the sun’s light. They knew what was coming was good, yet they waited patiently, far more patiently than the photographer (me).
I was challenged by their enthusiasm, their expectation that what would come would bring promise and growth. I also realized that the first hard frost would kill their growth, for this year at least. As I walked, it occurred to me that the flowers had more sense than I do. They expect that the day will be filled with opportunity but don’t worry that the frost may come.
I realize that these flowers, Golden Crownbeard, are not sentient beings as I (usually) am. They were only doing what they were made to do by the growth hormones that tilt them toward the sun so that the plant receives the most beneficial light and has the best opportunity for growth. This phenomenon is called heliotropism (for any science nerds out there). But again, I wondered if they, in that regard, had more “sense” than I do?
If I was created in God’s image, shouldn’t I eagerly expect that the day will bring promise and growth? Shouldn’t that be part of my DNA, that I turn toward the Father, Son, and Spirit each day and anticipate the opportunities that will come? I think that is part of what Paul expresses in Philippians 1: 20-21
“I eagerly expect and hope that I will in no way be ashamed, but will have sufficient courage so that now as always Christ will be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death. For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain.”
Paul was in prison when he wrote those words. He was facing a potential death sentence, yet he eagerly expected that the days ahead of him held promise and opportunity. He knew that the hard frost would come, but he lived in light of the Son.
I only hope and pray that we do the same.
Discussion Questions:
On your social media, answer one of the questions below. Or, put your answer in the comments here.
- Have you ever spent time in nature and the Holy Spirit reminded you of a verse? What was it and where were you? Post with a photo from that trip.
- How will you live in eager expectation like the wildflowers mentioned in this post?
- Wildflowers are fulfilling their purpose by doing what they were created to do. How do you apply this concept to your own life?
- What are the “hard frosts” in your life and how do you prepare yourself mentally and spiritually to face them with faith?