- Worstead Baptist Church
- Meeting Hill
- Worstead, North Walsham,
- Norfolk
- NR28 9LR
01263 734739
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Thought for the month:
Daisies, dandelions and forget-me-nots… (Remembered by God)
Our destination: The author’s garden in Aylsham
It’s the middle of April and my lawn looks a real treat; but not in the context of being beautifully groomed and well fed. The way I would describe it, is that the lawn looks nicely green; but not necessarily solely from blades of grass. However, against that backdrop of greenness are hundreds of white daisies, yellow dandelions and blue forget-me-knots – all in their prime and all blooming in abundance… it looks just like a beautiful and elaborate green, white, yellow and blue carpet. And all the flowers are self-seeded… Some might call them: ‘Weeds.’ I call them: ‘Free gifts from God.’
How wonderful is that?
I am not a particular fan of gardens that have been neatly set out in straight lines. Certainly, my garden does not conform to that description. Indeed, it is the kind of garden that warrants exploration; with planting that demonstrates a randomness - and plants often tucked away in concealed places. And so those self-seeded plants come as a bonus – adding to the mystery and variety.
There is a freshness in the air at the moment; befitting of the time of year - and a moderate breeze, causing the welcome intruders to dance about in the sunshine. And then there is the birdsong, echoing from every corner. Whenever I enter into my garden I am filled with the joyful assurance that God is at work in his creation.
There seems an appropriateness as I look out into the beauty of my garden at the moment: especially at those self-seeded daisies, dandelions and forget-me-nots. All free gifts from God; forget-me-nots at that! I am reminded of a short comment from scripture in the story of Noah and his Ark.
But God remembered Noah and all the wild animals and all the domestic animals that were with him in the ark. And God made a wind blow over the earth, and the waters subsided.
(Genesis 8:1)
You’ll find the full story of Noah in Genesis, starting at chapter 5. Despite everything that has happened at the time: the rise in humankind’s wickedness, nearly everyone rejecting God (except Noah and his family), the building of the ark, the loading of the animals, and coming of the rain, etc… God remembers Noah, his family and the animals at all times; saving them to dry land. And when we include God in our lives - through having a personal relationship with Jesus – he will never forget us.
Even in the darkest and most traumatic times of our lives - and into eternity: God will never forget us. He will always be with us, strengthening, guiding and providing for us – showering us with his love and blessings.
A chat with the Creator (after saying this prayer, feel free to continue to ‘chat’ with God for as long as you would like to):
Loving heavenly Father,
Thank you for the beauty of the daisies, dandelions and forget-me-nots.
Thank you that when we trust in Jesus, you never forget us.
Please increase my trust.
In Jesus’ name.
Amen.
Keeping the memories alive:
· When you have time, you might like to read (Read Genesis 6:9-16, 7:1-5, 7:12-16, 8:1)
Written by Rev Patrick Coghlan