Hello, fellow pilgrims. The other day, I attended a meeting off-site. On my way into the building, I passed a wildflower garden that was preparing for a long winter’s rest. Frost had visited a few times already and the wildlife community had harvested much of its produce. All that remained was a bed full of red salvia and a single, bright, and beautiful blanketflower. The blanketflower caught my eye because it stood out among the salvia and everything else that surrounded it, its fluorescent brightness exclaiming its joy, resilience, and faith in the midst of elements over which it had no control and upon which it depended. It encouraged in me a thoughtfulness of my own faith in the midst of elements over which I have no control, and upon which I, too, depend.
Blanketflowers are known to be prolific and to thrive under duress. They can withstand drought, poor soil, and harsh temperatures. They self-seed, transplant well, and are a valued source of nourishment to bees, butterflies, and birds. Imagine a faith that resilient and prolific. A faith that thrives even under duress. A faith that attracts others who seek its nourishment. A faith that moves beyond church walls and moves with the Spirit into every facet of your life. A faith that can withstand circumstances beyond your control: a death, an illness, a broken relationship. A faith that thrives amid elements upon which you depend: community, family, worship, Christ’s Love.
This world can be a challenging place sometimes, and we can learn a lot by taking our cue from the quiet and beautiful resilience of a blanketflower, standing beautifully and faithfully amid elements that may test us—not to survive, but to thrive… and shine brightly.
You are Beautiful and you are Beloved.
Angela+