A “lengthy pause” is what I will refer to this seemingly long break from connecting with you. I have missed you! Thank you for the opportunity to share how God inspired me to write today’s blog, and how it started with a flower. But before I get into that, while I have been praying, thinking (over-thinking!), pondering, reading, considering, and wondering just what to share and how to return to this blog, I have been ever mindful of you, my valued friends and readers. Sharing with you over these past few years has been a tremendous blessing and a much-appreciated conversation for me. As I journey into my sixth year as a widow, I am all too aware that there is so much more to this journey of mine, and yours. My hope and prayer is that we may experience and share how God loves, encourages, and provides for us on our journey. This blog is my way of sharing with you.
It started with a flower. Not just one flower, but so many varieties carefully designed into a tapestry of glorious color and beauty. My first visit to the Botanical Gardens of the Ozarks with a dear friend provided a visual picture that prompted me to share with you now. I have always enjoyed and appreciated flowers, like a child, I get tickled when they emerge from a bud to a spectacular masterpiece of unique beauty. I wrote a song about flowers when I was a young girl. My dad played the guitar and wrote many a country ballad; he taught me to play, and of course, I wanted to sing my own song. I don’t remember all the lyrics and just a bit of the tune, but it started out “Oh I love the flowers that bloom in the summertime, they look so beautiful, they make me wanna cry…” My first and only song I wrote, and it started with a flower.
Throughout the gardens, we had seen these round pods atop their long, sturdy stems and wondered what they were. At the end of a flower bed, there it was, one lone flower with delicate petals reaching heavenward. The last one, from what appeared to be a full bouquet just a short time ago, but now alone. Reminding us of all the color and beauty that once was among the other flowers. Giving us a hint of what would bloom in a future season. Much like the seasons of my life, active and full at times, quiet and alone at others. The seasons change, and with them the promise of growth, provision, and new life from our Heavenly Father.
There is so much to appreciate about flowers. Have you ever seen a flower seed that looks like a dead spider? It grows into a most gorgeous flower that bears no resemblance to its early seed form. I, for one, am grateful that the earlier version of myself was given time, space, nurturing, food, and the source of life to grow into the woman I am today. Of course, it was not always easy; there were so many times I fought the winters, just straining for the hope of a new spring, or dreaded another scorching summer day, longing for cooler fall days. But just as every season has come and gone, my existence has not depended on what I see, understand, or hope for, but instead on placing my trust in my creator, God, who has designed this world and all that I need for life. While I am not comparing myself to one of these beautiful flowers, I am reminded that, just as the flower goes through changes and seasons and is at times uprooted, there are similarities. I will survive the dark clouds of winter as my roots are strengthened and prepared for the new growth of each spring. I will bound into the summer with anticipation, and then long for the coolness of fall sweater weather. And then be ready to rest again when the seasons change once more. I am thankful to God for reminding me that he provides all I need, and on this day, it started with a flower.
Well, friend, there you have it, my return to sharing with you, and it started with a flower, well, actually a visit to the garden, along with encouragement from my dear friend to consider sharing about the flowers. Just the nudge I needed. I hope you enjoyed sharing my visit to the Botanical Gardens. Perhaps you will discover the beauty of a flower in your day in your space, along your path, at a designated garden, a neighbor’s display, or even at the local hardware nursery.
Thank you for your patience and kindness during this pause from sharing with you. I have missed you. May God bless you and remind you of his love and provision as you enjoy the beauty of flowers today.
Oh …. BTW, what is your favorite flower and why? I would love to know.
Your Friend,
Pati
“Consider how the wild flowers grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you, not even Solomon in all his splendor 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, how much more will he clothe you.” Luke 12:27-29
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Pati Rader 
Thank you for your thoughts and comments.