Blessing in Community

 

 Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their labor. ¹⁰ For if they fall, the one will lift up his fellow; but woe to him who is alone when he falls, and doesn’t have another to lift him up. ¹¹ Again, if two lie together, then they have warmth; but how can one keep warm alone? ¹² If a man prevails against one who is alone, two shall withstand him; and a threefold cord is not quickly broken. Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 (WEB)

 

Like beacons of light my blooming orchids burst forth with color. They hung on a wooden tower and all pointed outward with clusters of blooms on long stems. 

 

            Each plant produced a unique color and design: large white with yellow centers, rich velvet like mauve, medium sized beige striped with violet, and tiny purple touched by white.  

 

            Up close, I examined and was amazed at the intricate design of every variety. The flowers on each stem were exactly the same but different from the other plants even though they were all the same species.  

 

            Once a week, I water them and occasionally add fertilizer. From their stand on the porch, they receive morning sunshine and shade from intense afternoon light. Even though I provide favorable growing conditions, nothing I do can make them grow. Only God does that. He created every one and determines its growth.  

 

            The gorgeous flowers bloom once a year but they last for two to three months. Although every one is lovely alone, the collection of flowers produced a splendid arrangement. 

 

            In community, we also flourish and produce more than we can as individuals. During isolation, we learned how important family members, Bible study groups, neighbors, friends, work colleagues and others contribute to our wellbeing.

            In community we form bonds which help us grow, flourish and serve. Together we form a beautiful collage.

 

Father, what a blessing we have when we join together. Thank you for the special gifts of community. Amen

God's Provision

 

“Therefore don’t be anxious, saying, ‘What will we eat?’ ‘What will we drink?’ or, ‘With what will we be clothed?’  For the Gentiles seek after all these things; for your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things.³³ But seek first God’s Kingdom and his righteousness; and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore don’t be anxious for tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Each day’s own evil is sufficient. Matthew 6:31-34 (WEB)

 

 

Rumbles of thunder shattered the morning silence. Clouds darkened and blocked the blue sky. Hidden crows screeched at the interruption. Songbirds remained silent. 

Bumblebees visited orange flowers but no other wildlife appeared. 

 

            Rumbling grew to more frequent loud thunder. Wind rustled trees across the lake and then swept closer and closer. Rain followed the gales. Sheets of water streaked across the lake to my yard. 

 

            Cypress trees shook limbs heavy with moisture. My oak tree’s branches quivered in the storm. Flowers jiggled with raindrops. 

 

            Like a giant watering can, refreshing water poured onto grass, flowers, and trees. The lake level rose to normal. 

 

            With wonder I watched the effects of the storm on creation around me and marveled at God’s provision. 

 

            Media reports beg us to become embroiled in dissention with one catastrophe after another which causes anxiety, fear, anger and depression. 

 

            However, when I embrace the beauty of nature in my time with God each morning, I can forget covid, bombings, wars, protests, and natural disasters for a while. His provision for creation reminds me that He also cares for His people. That assurance helps me face daily trials.

 

Loving Father, when I see your provision for birds, bees, trees and flowers, I remember that you care for us even more. Thank you. Amen