Spring seems to be an elusive tease this week. In the past seven-ten days, we’ve had only one full day of warmth and sunshine here in Laurel, Maryland. Not that we’ve had pouring rain all that time, but the skies have been cloudy and gray. As I said to someone, God has used that gray crayon a lot lately, and I much prefer the sky blue and sunshine yellow crayons.
Having said that, though, my little corner of the world is blooming and growing. When I got home from church this afternoon, I happened to look towards the back of the yard. Lo and behold, there bloometh beautiful pink tulips! Who knew?
And who knew what other treasures might be blooming? So after I changed into jeans, I wandered around the yard with my camera. I do not know the official names of any of these plants–other than the tulips–but I do know exquisite beauty when I see it.
I am struck by the contrast between the color of leaves on the very same plant. I am delighted by the bright color of flowers nestled in dark green. I am happy when I see flowers, greenery and rocks all nestled in together in Mother Earth.
The psalmist writes, “The earth is the Lord’s and the fullness thereof.” Yes, it is, and when I see such beauty blooming in my little corner of Mother Earth, I am filled with gratitude for the colors, shapes and sizes of things God has created. And I am also grateful to the gardener who has left such a stunning legacy of paradise to this preacher. I pray that I will be an adequate steward of this paradise this year, and my plan is to educate myself so that I can be an even better steward in the years to come. Now I must find a good all-round book on gardening–so if any of you green thumb types have a good suggestion, let’s hear it!
Photos © Sheila N. McJilton
