A Tulip Kind of Faith
“Faithfulness springs forth from the earth, and righteousness looks down from heaven.” – Psalm 85:11 NIV
I had forgotten how much I loved tulips. When I was growing up in Central New York, tulips were a welcomed sign that the cover of winter’s snow was coming to an end. Soon we’d be free from hibernating in woolen sweaters, bulky parkas, and heavy boots.
The sight of these colorful blossoms at the market today, brought back fond memories of daffodils and tulips fighting for the first hints of warmth in my father’s garden.
I’m not sure if it was the simplicity or strength (or both) I saw in these blooms that drew me to them as a child, but oh, how I loved them!
Forgetting time, I stood in the market fixated on these lovely plants. And as I stared, I began to see a meaning beyond my simple childhood love for these flowers. I began to see them as a living display of the kind of faith I long to live out everyday.
I want you to see what I see, so here goes…
original photo by seriousbri
I want to hold well to the life-giving water that’s sprinkles down from Heaven.
I want to stand firmly in gentle breezes or roaring winds that are sure to come.
I also want to praise steadfastly, the King who grants my life.
But is this a complete picture? Is there more that goes into a faith-filled life? When I searched on the meaning of tulips, I found three phrases that, for me, make it certain why I’m drawn to them:
Perfect love
“There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love.
– 1John 4:18
Rebirth
“He saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit. – Titus 3:5
Eternal life
“Keep yourselves in God’s love as you wait for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ to bring you to eternal life. – Jude 1:21
Lord, thank you for your Creation, for the ability to look upon it, and see you within its folds. What beauty we can trade for wretchedness! What hope can be found in its presence! Amen.
What is your favorite flower? How do you see Christ in creation?
Thank you, Raye, for this beautiful reminder of spring in the Midwest. Our first home was on Jonquil Terrace and I had jonquils blossoming all around the house in early spring each year. To me, they were bright, sunny harbingers of resurrection joy infusing hope and sweet expectation of warmth and Sonshine to come.
What a lovely description! Thank you for your bright words, and it’s nice to see you up and about.