I went for a hike today. Some of my best times with Jesus are on quiet hikes where life slows down and His voice becomes more clear. I feel His presence all around and I am able to re-center myself on what really matters. Today was no different. I decided to get off the beaten path and hike a trail that weaves through a local canyon. The stillness of the trail and sounds of nature were exactly what my soul needed. The wildflowers were in full bloom and the birds were singing proud and loud. It reminded me of Matthew 6. Do not worry (mind you, this is a command). Look at the birds, they don’t worry. See the flowers, they don’t labor or spin. And how much more is your worth then those?! What does worrying add to your life?
I began to pick wild flowers as I went. (Potentially illegal?) Today, I only wanted the ones with intricate detail that really stood out to me: a beautiful and pure white flower with a fun surprise at night when it closes its petals and purple lines the backside. Or the tiny yellow ones with green stripes running through it veins. The pine-looking bush that produces the most vibrant pink flowers at the end of the stem. The California poppy, blasting an orange burst of color to the contrasting brown soil surrounding it. The tiniest details on the smallest most unseen flowers. Gorgeous. Stunning. I wonder if God smiled big when He saw me notice His handiwork today.
The wildflowers reminded me: isn’t this how we are to be? Not worrying and toiling and spinning. But simply rooted where He plants us and growing towards The Son as He adds color and brilliance into our lives. I needed to remember this today. Not only that, but it makes me think of my everyday interactions as well. We each have the opportunity to bring a splash of color, an unexpected wonder, or an intricate design to the environments and cultures we find ourselves in. Whether it be an office, a friend’s house, a conversation, or a church lobby, we have the ability to bring life and light into each situation. Our attention to details, the tone of our voice, the hope or joy we bring to a conversation, or simply a smile and a “glad you’re here today”. The tiniest details can make the biggest impressions.
I want to be like a wildflower. Unique, a bit wild, unexpected, cheerful, full of wonder and design, and a bright presence that lights up a room.
