Flowers Can Be Teachers, Too

A few days ago, I was part of an intimate gathering of ladies. We each were given a beautiful vase and about 6 types of flowers to choose from. There were no instructions other than to have fun and let our creativity run wild.

We chatted away as we put together our floral arrangements, and by the time we were done, the room was filled with the beautiful smell of flowers and good cheer. When we were all done, we placed our arrangements on the table and had a look. Each arrangement was as different as the person making it! None was the same.

What was more heart-warming was that every arrangement was beautiful and full of personality. I could have carried each home had I been given the chance!

My floral arrangement! How cute is this?

I learnt so much from that afternoon of bonding and creativity.

1. God has made us uniquely beautiful. He made you and said, "This is good!" Just as you are: Every arrangement had a variable number of stems from various flowers we had available. Each arrangement was beautiful and unique, and we loved them! (Psalm 139:14)

2. Our personalities and preferences seep into everything we do: Each arrangement was distinctly different. My floral arrangement, for example, was colourful and intuitively crafted. One of my friends' arrangements was meticulously put together. She picked the same colour of flowers, but with different shades across the different types of flowers she chose. I am creative and intuitive with my expression of art. My friend, on the other hand, is very meticulous and pre-plans everything she can! Both arrangements were beautiful, and it was amazing seeing parts of who we are come out through flowers! This is why it is important to let the unique way you were made flow into whatever you do. Your personality, when surrendered to God, is beautiful and effective for His purposes. (1 Corinthians 12:12-27)

3. God has made beauty to be appreciated and enjoyed: Flowers cannot be eaten, but their aroma and appearance make for a splendid and grounding view! After we were done, we sat down, pleased with what we had made. I couldn't help but wonder, does God look at us, walking in purpose uniquely and boldly, and say, "That's my creation right there!"? I tend to think so! I believe God has made us so different out of His good pleasure, that He may enjoy and appreciate us in our varying appearances, strengths and capacities. It is beautiful.

4. Rest is productive, and it pleases the Lord: Spending the afternoon with my friends was something no amount of money could replace. The laughter, deep conversations and reflective moments we shared are now memories, but I'll keep them in the archives of my mind for years to come. We weren't crunching numbers or keeping tabs with productivity apps. We were just spending time together, off our screens, off the grid, and it was a great time. God also delights in our rest. It is through it that we enjoy the pleasures He has made available to us! (Ecclesiastes 3:12-13)

I look forward to slow days like that one, where I can meditate on the goodness of the Lord while enjoying being His creation and working with His works.

As we enter April, my prayer is that you can catch a break and enjoy God's creation while you can. While you are at it, appreciate your uniqueness and unique capacity to serve God in a way no one else can. Call it a "touch grass and touch heaven" occasion when you are at it. It will be well worth it.

See you in May!

Love, W.