The Beauty of Life


 


“And why do you worry about clothes? See how the flowers of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you—you of little faith?”
I have to admit, these days it is hard not to worry. In fact, any time I think of not worrying I remember the old joke, “What do you mean don’t worry? Have you watched the news lately?” War. Inflation. Crime. Division. Hate. Misinformation. Conspiracy Theories. Disease. The list goes on and on. Then, of course, we have our own internal struggles. There is no shortage of things to worry about. It is easy to fall under the power of unhealthy worry and anxiety. Especially if one has a compassionate heart.
Jesus knew this. He also knew that his people did have concerns about clothing and food and the essentials. They were an oppressed people living in a harsh time. He isn’t being flippant or cavalier. I believe Jesus is saying that if we are consumed by worry, we miss out on the blessing and beauty around us. The flowers of the field remind us of God’s presence. The flowers of the field remind us of the beauty life holds, even in the hardest of times.
There is much to worry about, this is true. But God sends “flowers of the field” as reminders that our life unfolds in the circle of God’s grace. Don’t miss the flowers because of worry. Let the flowers help get us through the tough realities of this worrisome life. Being a person of faith does not mean we deny reality. Bring a person of faith means we hold fast to the truth that, even in the worst of times, God is present and God cares.
Peace.

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