Fuqua Conservatory
One of my favorite Bible passages is Matthew 6:25-34. It is my go to passage to share when a friend or relative tells me they are anxious or worried about their life.
This weekend I was in Atlanta with my daughter Meredith and we spent two hours wandering through the Botanical Garden in Piedmont Park. This garden is rated in the top 10 of best Botanical Gardens in the United States, and is simply magnificent.
25 “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life…Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life? See how the flowers of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. 29 Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these.
The perfect formation and color combinations of these exotic orchids were a feast for the eyes. But it was the leaves of some of the larger plants that almost brought tears to my eyes and had me breathe the words, “Lord, the whole earth is full of your glory,” (Isaiah 6:3). These large leaves, some two feet long and almost a foot wide, were dark green with either horizontal or vertical white stripes and not a single imperfection in any stripe. Others had large white polka dot centers, again each leaf flawless. Still other plants had hundreds of tiny patterned leaves all identically perfect. I stood there in awe, seeing the divine nature and power of God (Romans 1:20). I couldn’t help but stop and pray, “Lord, thank you for this amazing reminder of what a perfect and loving Father you are and how very present you are in my life.”
So when life gets hectic, stop and smell the roses – or look at the leaves! Be thankful for the precious gift of faith in a Lord who is sovereign over all creation. Let the beauty in His handiwork remind you to seek Him out and to put your trust in Him. Because when you seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, you can be sure He will take care of everything else that you need.
I too have been looking around me lately because my Jesus Calling keeps reminding me. I keep looking at all the nature, the trees, plants, flowers, sky and ocean and thanking him out loud. How blessed are we??? Lunch soon!! ?❤️?
I just loved reading this one! It really brightened my day and was a gentle reminder how blessed we really are and we just have to “Be still and Know that I am God”. Psalm 46:10.
Beautiful Donna we all need to stop and smell the roses xo
Donna, dear-
Flowers make me so happy. I enjoy arranging a vase full of pink roses or planting hearty geraniums in front of my porch. So reading the blog about your and Meredith’s experience in the botanical garden brought a smile to my face. First of all, because I just love of all that is green, pink, yellow, gold, and so on through the majestic rainbow of colors in gardens. And, secondly, because you got to experience and enjoy this beauty with your daughter by your side. How wonderful! Yes, flowers are a reflection of the beauty in our Lord’s creation. Thank you for sharing…Love you (and miss you already)!
Donna,
I have also been to this amazing garden with my daughter and you have described it perfectly! I love to be surrounded by nature and feel His spirit and in so doing, renew my own.
Thank you all for your thoughtful comments. I just love hearing from each one of you!
Be Blessed, D