A Little Flower

A few days ago I heard a few friends talking about a rare flower that only blooms for a short time in the spring every year. I was amused to find out that this area (Deep Creek in particular) would have such a wild and exotic flower. The very next day my buddy Sharon actually sent me a text with a picture of the rare flower. I could not believe it! Not only was the flower actually in bloom, but she had just sent me an actual picture of a plant that I had never seen before.

Many of you already know that a few months ago I took a huge interest in photography. So needless to say, I planned a trip the next day to shoot the flower myself. I arrived yesterday morning eagerly awaiting a chance to shoot this unique flower. After I walked around for nearly thirty minutes, I realized that the unique and mysterious flower was nowhere to be found. I anxiously called Sharon and asked her to lead me over to the place where she had seen and photographed the flowers. I could not find them. Apparently they had closed up and they only open during certain times of the day. What! I thought, are you kidding me? Plants actually do that?

So I went on to work and shared my recent disappointment with the others. A few hours later my phone rang. It was Sharon. Again she called me with news about the flower. This time she was standing right there looking right at the flower. Immediately I grabbed my camera and announced to everyone that I was heading out. Before I knew it everyone else was grabbing purses or keys to ride along with me. Also know that the flower is growing out behind a local icon, a local pharmacy that serves a pretty killer lunch menu. So I have to believe that their enthusiasm had more to do with hunger then their love for botany or photography.

When we arrived I was pleased to see Sharon. She quickly pointed us in the direction several of the little unique and mysterious flowers. The mid day sun had caused them to open up and show off a magnificent array of color and beauty. Wow! Amazing! As I clicked away shooting just over a hundred shots in just a few minutes, I was reminded of the greatest Botanist ever. The One who created not only this beautiful flower, but the One who created every living thing in the world.

It is hard for me to admire beauty without thinking of the wonders and beauty of the Lord. God knows exactly what every plant needs to survive and be fruitful. He knows that it needs sunlight and water to grow and flourish. Jesus even assures us that the Father knows exactly what we need even before we speak.

Matthew 6:7-8
7And when you pray, do not keep on babbling like pagans, for they think they will be heard because of their many words. 8Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him.

So I encourage you to look around and be amazed. Either by a small and unique flower or by the vast deep blue sky above, but be amazed. Take a moment to look around you and you will see God’s handy work. God knew that a little flower in Deep Creek would one day bring us great joy. And somehow He knew that that little flower would also find a way to bring Him glory.

Praise God!

A little side note, I found out later that day that the plant also has a very cool spiritual connection. click here

Also, if you want to see the flower in better detail, take a look at my flickr page click here

Blessings,
dave