There's been a definite change in the weather from frosty to nearly 90 degrees! I spent time at a local garden center wandering through the aisles admiring the flowers. I wanted to purchase some for my yard, but the choices were nearly overwhelming. I finally picked out multi-colored petunias and a hanging planter of coral begonias.
When I returned home I went out to plant them. I tried to pick the perfect location and to space them out for room to grow. I dug deep into the clay soil and worked it with my hands. I carefully took each petunia pod, "teased" the roots so they would spread, and placed each plant into the holes I had prepared. I covered the roots and pressed the soil firmly around each one. Then I watered them.
I looked at my hands. They were covered with moist soil that even caked under my fingernails. My clothes had soil clinging to them, especially around the knees where I had knelt to plant my flowers. I definitely felt close to nature!
The next day I looked to see if the flowers survived. They did, and I was glad to see that they looked healthy and happy.
Today I read in the Magnificat: "the Lord God formed man from the dust of the ground..." Gen 2:7; and, "Lord, you are our Father. We are clay, and you are our maker. We are all the work of your hands." Isaiah 64: 8.
These verses I reflected on made an impression on me, with my recent experience of clay soil. They spoke of God's intimacy with us, even in our creation. He got his hands into the soil, so to speak, to create us. And just as the soil clung to me and I felt at one with nature, so God as our Father and Maker is not a distant God, but One who creates us to be close to Him. He desires communion with us.
As I carefully selected the right location for my plants, so God has selected just the right location for me. Just as I care for my plants and take delight in them, so God cares for me that I may grow and be a delight to Him and hopefully to others whom He brings into my life.
How many are your works, Lord!
In wisdom you made them all;
the earth is full of your creatures.
Psalm 104:24
Praise God for flowers and for all living things. Praise God for the beauty of nature. Praise God that He created us to be in loving relationship with Him forever.
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