Whence Came the Flowers
By Wilhelmina Stitch
Who made the flowers? "I," said the sun,
"Through many long hours, I made each one."
"'Twas I," said the rain, " 'twas my cooling breath
Refreshed them again and saved them from death."
"The flowers cam with me," cried the wind with delight;
"There was no one to see in the depth of the night.
I bore them to the earth on the spread of my wings.
"Twas I gave them birth, the bright, darling things."
"'Twas I," said the soil. Cried the gardner, "No!
Through my care and toil, the blossoms now show!"
Then the stars still and calm and pale, stately moon
Sang a heavenly psalm to a long-ago tune.
"Who made thee flowers? Not the sun, rain or sod.
Nor man's vital powers - but the quiet thought of God."
I know what you may be thinking… it’s too early to talk about flowers! Just a couple days ago I hiked a mountain in 20 degree weather, and there was no sign of flowers (but there were some cute, plump acorns).
Maybe I’m reflecting on this poem in anticipation of warmer weather, but it strikes me for a particular reason. As the elements of the earth argue to claim the flowers’ origins, I see the similarities in humanity. I am one who tends to forget God’s hand in my life; it’s easy to move through the motions and get wrapped up in one’s responsibilities. It’s even easier to allow pride into the room when I claim praise for things that I’ve done.
I have entered a season filled with many blessings: my husband has returned from deployment, and we are happily moving into our new home in a new state. Leading up to this, I did not suffer well. I struggled in my relationship with God, and lately I have felt undeserving of the blessings I’ve received.
In this poem, the moon reminds the elements that God is the one in control. The Virgin Mary is often compared to the moon, and through this poem we see similar roles between the two. In this season, Mary has reminded me to look to her Son and embrace the idea that he is in control. Nothing I do changes the fact that he wants to bless me and waits quietly to do so; all I have to do is embrace his love.
Have you ever felt undeserving of God’s blessings? What reminders have you seen lately of God’s patient love?
Now that my family is preparing to move into our new house, I am also preparing to set up shop again. Stay tuned!
Through Christ,
Steph Petters