This week I paid a visit to Longwood Gardens in Kennett Square, Pennsylvania. The word of the day was, “Wow.” There was the rainbow patchwork of tulips and daffodils of every hue in the Idea Garden. And a sea of snapdragons, pansies, yet more tulips, and all manner of exotic species along the Flower Garden Walk. And magnolia trees and apple blossoms and, and… And then there was the Conservatory.
Oh my, the display of God’s creative ingenuity in the plants and flowers from all over the world that we see in the Conservatory! Most stunning to me, this time, was the Orchid House. The aroma and colors and shapes of the incredible variety of orchids—words do not suffice. In fact, I ran into a complete stranger when I first entered the Orchid House, and we both just said, “Wow.” (I've posted a few photos from Longwood.)
Three things strike me in all of this. First, it’s so true that God “speaks” through creation. “The heavens declare the glory of God” (Ps 19:1); the skies are a canvas for “macro-beauty.” But “micro-beauty” in a flower’s intricate folds also speaks for the Lord—it’s all part of God’s display of his power and creative genius in “the things that have been made” (Rom 1:20). Stars, mountains, butterflies, clouds, flowers—all creation points to its Creator, our glorious, loving God! And remember, deep down, your neighbor knows this—it’s imprinted on every human heart.
Second, praise cannot be contained. When you’re truly moved, awed, amazed (etc.), your heart sends signals to your mouth to speak up. And you speak up because you want to; there’s a joy inside that must get out, and as it’s expressed, that joy itself is enlarged. Praise naturally expands, both within us and beyond us.
Third, even though the flowers are all dressed up in breathtaking beauty, Jesus asks us, “Won’t God, all the more, clothe you?” (Matt 6:30). The magnolia petals made a pink blanket beneath the tree, yet in no time they’ll disappear—here today, gone tomorrow. But you were designed for eternity, and to rest in the loving, strong arms of the Father even now. Be at peace in his love!
Oh my, the display of God’s creative ingenuity in the plants and flowers from all over the world that we see in the Conservatory! Most stunning to me, this time, was the Orchid House. The aroma and colors and shapes of the incredible variety of orchids—words do not suffice. In fact, I ran into a complete stranger when I first entered the Orchid House, and we both just said, “Wow.” (I've posted a few photos from Longwood.)
Three things strike me in all of this. First, it’s so true that God “speaks” through creation. “The heavens declare the glory of God” (Ps 19:1); the skies are a canvas for “macro-beauty.” But “micro-beauty” in a flower’s intricate folds also speaks for the Lord—it’s all part of God’s display of his power and creative genius in “the things that have been made” (Rom 1:20). Stars, mountains, butterflies, clouds, flowers—all creation points to its Creator, our glorious, loving God! And remember, deep down, your neighbor knows this—it’s imprinted on every human heart.
Second, praise cannot be contained. When you’re truly moved, awed, amazed (etc.), your heart sends signals to your mouth to speak up. And you speak up because you want to; there’s a joy inside that must get out, and as it’s expressed, that joy itself is enlarged. Praise naturally expands, both within us and beyond us.
Third, even though the flowers are all dressed up in breathtaking beauty, Jesus asks us, “Won’t God, all the more, clothe you?” (Matt 6:30). The magnolia petals made a pink blanket beneath the tree, yet in no time they’ll disappear—here today, gone tomorrow. But you were designed for eternity, and to rest in the loving, strong arms of the Father even now. Be at peace in his love!
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