Yesterday, I planted my first flower. Yes, yes, it’s okay to be surprised that this 1970-something born girl hasn’t planted anything before. I am a city kid and paid no attention whatsoever to any agriculture/farming lessons in school. So much so that, when I got to Form 1 and we were allowed to drop subjects, it was absolutely clear that agriculture would be the first subject to go!
Now that I am older (and wiser), I am reconsidering my attitude towards farming and gardening. Hence, the flower was my first attempt to learn a new skill. As I covered up the roots with soil, I found myself harbouring an unexpected thought. You see, my intention was to prepare the area for planting, set the flower in place, restore the area with soil, clean my hands and continue with my day. But this unforeseen thought took my mind hostage. I found myself feeling some sort of connection to the plant and wanting to see it thrive. I admit, part of this feeling was so I could say my attempt at gardening was successful. However, I also genuinely wanted to see the plant develop well.
As I often do, I shared this thought with the Lord; asking Him to let the plant grow well. At which point I sensed the Lord say to me, “If you care for the welfare of this plant, how much more do I, Your Creator, care about your well-being, my child?”
At that instant, a portion of Matthew 6 flashed through my mind:
“And why do you worry about clothes? See how the flowers of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendour was dressed like one of these. If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you— you of little faith?
Matthew 6:28-30 NIV
See, I’m currently in a season where the business environment isn’t as healthy as it could be (thanks to the post-COVID-19 effects). Many companies have been forced to scrap their training budget, which means there is less work available for me. So, there have been moments when I’ve been anxious about provision. See why the Lord used my initial attempt at gardening to teach me a lesson? He sure doesn’t waste any opportunities!
And, while I am trusting Him to provide for me, I should simply do what the well known Sunday School song taught us – “Why worry, when you can pray . . . ”
(Sing along with me, won’t you?)