Finding God in Ordinary Things:
Spring Flowers

"Flowers are appearing on the earth. The season of glad songs has come, the cooing of the turtledove is heard in our land." Song of Songs 2:12

At first, it's a robin, the harbinger of spring, singing lustily from the lilac whose buds are swelling with color. The wind seems gentler, and a few green shoots appear on trees, awakening from winter's slumber. Then one morning, it happens! You pick up the morning paper amidst the chatter of birds who are looking for places to nest and raise a family. Crocuses poke through the warming soil. Spring arrives!

In the annual cycle of nature’s seasons, we can see the guiding hand of God and more clearly understand His love for us. Springtime is symbolic of the casting off of winter’s chill, of rebirth and renewal. After a time of hibernation, we are refreshed by God’s word:

“Ask the LORD for rain in the springtime; it is the LORD who makes the storm clouds. He gives showers of rain to His children, and plants of the field to everyone.” Zechariah 10:1

As farmers and gardeners reopen the seed catalogs so eagerly browsed through during the harsh winter months, plans begin for spring planting. The soil is turned and fertilized, in anticipation of the crops which will nourish our bodies, and the flowers and plants which will enrich our spirits.

In much the same way, God is present in these everyday rituals, nourishing and enriching us with His words and His divine love. Just as the fruit trees bud and flower in their march to the fall harvest, we move into a new season of our lives. We emerge from the solemn season of Lent, to celebrate the glorious Resurrection of Our Savior, Jesus Christ.

We turn to nature for that enduring symbol of Easter, the pristine lily, a symbol of purity and majesty. Tradition has it that the beautiful white lilies sprung up where drops of Christ’s sweat fell to the ground in His final hours of sorrow and deep distress.

Thus churches commemorate His Resurrection by banking their altars and surrounding their crosses with masses of Easter lilies.

In some churches, children decorate an additional cross with flowers of all colors and shapes, often picked fresh from their own yards. Their joy in this floral offering to Jesus shows their love for Him. In turn, their simple offering of flowers embodies the love of Our Father for all of us, His children.

Soon, the springtime riot of flowers is followed by the emergence of butterflies, eager to feed. They remind us of our eagerness to feed on the word of the Lord. As we enjoy a spring day, we find ourselves strengthened by flowers, trees, birds, and butterflies… ordinary things created and sent to us by our loving Father!