A vase of daffodils
I love flowers and have a bunch of some sort in our kitchen all year round. One of my particular favourites are daffodils, they always look so cheery! A couple of days after arranging some in a vase recently, I noticed that one was drooping. I managed to take this daffodil out and place it right in the middle of the others, where it was supported. This got me thinking about how at times, such as these currently, we all have occasions when we feel droopy too. Worried and concerned with all that’s happening and stressed about what the future will hold.
Considering the daffodils, the first thing that strikes me is that they are held strong and secure in a vase. This wraps around the flowers and keeps them together. We can see the vase as a representation of God’s love - it is always there, secure, surrounding us every day. In times when everything seems to be uncertain, it is good to take comfort and reassurance in God’s love. Never altering, never ending and always present. Romans Ch.8 verses 38-39 tells us
“For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels, nor rulers,
nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height,
nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, can separate us
from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord”.
The water is in the vase for the flowers to feed on and bloom - this can be seen as a representation of God’s word. We need to keep reading the Bible, listening for God’s guidance and talking to him in prayer for us to flourish-just like the daffodils. Sometimes, the water goes down in the vase as the flowers drink it thirstily. The water needs to be topped up regularly-just like us as we spend time each day building our relationship with God.
The daffodils also have an important message for us. Each one of us is an individual creation made by God. Some are taller, some are shorter, some are lighter some are darker. All are different. It is important to remember that each one of us is unique. The daffodils teach us that every one of them is needed. Without each one the whole display would not be as beautiful. This is also true for us as humans too. We all have a part to play – everyone’s contribution is vital. There are occasions when we all feel “droopy” and life can seem difficult. We may be weighed down with health concerns, worries about loved ones, worries about our own health or worries about life in general. Particularly, at this current time, these feelings can be overwhelming and we may wonder how there is a light at the end of this seemingly endless tunnel. When I placed the drooping daffodil back in the vase, I put it in the centre so it would be supported by the others. Whilst we cannot be physically close to support each other at the moment, there are so many ways that we can assure others that they remain in our thoughts. Remembering our friends in prayer, sending them a text message, giving them a call, sending them a card, being someone to listen. These are all attributes that show the love, care and support of Jesus-through us. Never underestimate your ability to shine Jesus’ light into someone’s life. As He supports us, we can, through His strength, support other people.
I enjoy listening to a Christian mix of songs on YouTube whilst doing my jigsaws. Two songs have particularly spoken to me over the last few weeks. The first one I mentioned when Ron wrote his article - My Life is in Your Hands sung by the Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir. I absolutely love this song; it tells us that Jesus is always with us-supporting us. The chorus says
“I know that I can make it, I know that I can stand.
No matter what may come my way, my life is in your hands”.
The second song to inspire me is Behold our God sung by the California Baptist University Choir. This song talks about praising God, and all the reasons we have to do so. The song opens with the words
“Who has held the oceans in His hands?
Who has numbered every grain of sand?”
Our God is the creator of the Universe but knows each of us personally, understands what we are going through, and surrounds us with his love. What an amazing thought!!!
John Ch.15 verse 9 says “As the Father has loved me, so I have loved you. Abide in my love”.
Next time you are shopping, treat yourself to a bunch of flowers. Let them be a visual reminder that God loves you, knows your worries, understands, and is walking with you. Every step of the way.
Rebecca
P.S. Stephen adds that on YouTube you can find both of the songs Rebecca talks about sung by a variety of artists including some recent posting by quarantined virtual choirs (similar style to ‘The UK Blessing’ you listen to on Wednesday).