Consider how the lilies grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you, not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these Luke 12:27

On a cool fall day several years ago, I planted 12 lily bulbs into wet, dark ground. From this small gardening effort has now come a line of lilies stretching the entire length of the sun porch on the back of our house. The bulbs have multiplied and there is now a path of approximately 500 beautiful, blooming flowers each June. On the first night of summer this year, I sat on the porch and took the time to really "consider" these lilies while they were in full bloom.

Spiny, dark green leaves jutted out of multiple, slender stems that had shot up from each of the bulbs buried beneath the ground. Dozens of buds and flowers were at the top of each slender stem. The pale green buds harmonized well against the deep green foliage. Petals of each flower pealed back from the center of every blossom. Blood-red color exploded from the brilliant orange base of each petal. A group of stamen jetted up from the center of each blossom. The tip of each stamen contained a ruby-red ball.

A week after the blooming of these tiger lilies came the blooming of the pure white lilies at the side of our sun porch. I call them the Abiding Presence lilies because they were ones that glorified God around our altar on various Easters and were then brought home and planted in our yard to remind us of God's Easter message. Considering them this summer, I reflected on the numeric symbolism between Christ resurrection on the third day and the lilies blooming three months after our 2008 celebration of Easter. And, while eating my breakfast on the sun porch and beholding their beauty, ringing in my head was the hymn, "This is my Father's world....... the morning light, the lily white, declare their maker's praise."

The grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of our God stands forever. Isaiah 40:11.

Now, all the blossoms are gone. I experienced joy in making time to "consider" the lilies - beautiful, delicate creations of God. I especially appreciated their beauty this year during the several weeks they bloomed and am so glad that I made the time to "consider" them during their short blooming time.

But be sure to fear the Lord and serve him faithfully with all your heart; consider what great things he has done for you. 1 Samuel: 12:24

Thank you, God, for all your creations. Slow me down so that I make time to "consider" more of them. Especially, let me "consider" the many blessings you have created for me. Grant the peace and joy I experienced from "considering" the lilies to all people who make time to "consider" your creations. Amen

Contributed by Nancy
Sunday July 20, 2008
Liturgical Year A Week 34
Sunday Gospel reading:
Lectionary 16 (Proper 11)
Seventh Sunday after Pentecost