Emily filled the watering can and swung it up and over the low hedge. She loved her plants but caring for them required so much effort now, she thought to herself. Flowering plants in particular, were her favourite. Nothing was as gorgeous as flowers.
Ever since childhood, flowers fascinated her. She remembered being drawn to the hibiscus hedge as a child, plucking a flower every day on her way to school. The journey to school was made brighter by the hibiscus, roses, marigolds and ginger lilies she passed on the way. Even the humble bachelor buttons seemed to call her name.
As an adult, in her own home, she was excited to have her own flower garden. She hoped to live the rest of her life surrounded by flowers.
Someone calling at the gate interrupted her thoughts. It was Vicky, her childhood friend. Most of their conversation took place in this flower garden, her favourite place in the world. “It is a good thing God made all these flowers of different sizes, shapes, textures and colours,” her friend commented as she walked on the narrow path between the blooming plants.
“Sometimes I wonder about you,” Emily said. “You know, most of these flowers are hybrids, new species developed in the lab. What does your God have to do with that?”
“Well who gave man the wisdom? Who created man in the first place? Who provided the starting materials for all man’s work in the lab?” her friend countered.
“You know, I never thought about it like that.”
Her friend continued, grinning, “I bet there will be lots of flowers in heaven, but none in the other place. By the way, my Lord is also called the Rose of Sharon and the Lily of the Valleys.” (Song of Solomon chapter 2 verse 1).
For the first time, what Vicky was saying actually started to make sense.
Later when Vicky had long gone, Emily sat in the shed and reviewed her life. She always felt that something had been missing. Maybe Vicky knew what she was talking about all along. She closed her eyes and started to talk to the God she had ignored all her life.
Reflection:
My friend, maybe you too realise that there is something missing in your life. You may have tried a number of things to fill the void. This is a good time to have a conversation with the Saviour of the world.
Say this prayer to commit your life to the Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.
O God, I thank you for loving me even when I did not love you. I thank you for sending your Son to die for my sins. Forgive me now and I want to live the rest of my life in a way that pleases you. Amen.
