“Consider the lilies
of the field…”
I (Heleen) love this Scripture, as it seems to tell me that Jesus –
while travelling long distances by foot and tending to the needs of the crowds
– did not get so distracted by his work that he no longer saw the beauty of
creation around him. And he didn’t just look at it; he let it speak to his heart.
The flowers and the birds were to him a reminder of the love and care of his Father in
heaven.
Over the many years in Sierra Leone I have had moments when
I made myself look away from the brokenness, the dirt, the dust, the darkness,
and instead search for beauty: large white clouds against a blue sky, the
leaves of a palm tree rustling in the breeze, a sunbird dancing over a flower…
Yesterday I didn’t have to look far: in the little patch of
garden right outside my veranda I found this beautiful double hibiscus…
“Therefore I tell
you, do not be anxious…”
A timely reminder as we look out on the snow here...
ReplyDeleteSo beautiful! And your thoughts are encouraging! Mama and I are waiting to see if you will get through to us this evening!! Papa
ReplyDeleteI'm sorry, Heleen, I did not pay close attention that you were writing!! :-( :-) Jonathan has been trying to get through to us, and has not been successful. I hope your days are blessed! Jesse
ReplyDeleteDear Heleen and Jon, Thank you so much for sharing your experiences and profound thoughts. You are heroes yourselves, taking care of these needy people and trusting the Lord beyond borders. The mental health organisation where I work has been overtaken by 'Lily Care Group' so I hope to be inspired by the same Bible text while participating in writing a new business case. Also thanks for sending the interesting link. Be assured of our prayers and thoughts of you. With love, also from Harry, Margreet
ReplyDeleteWow, what encouraging thoughts from your you!! I just now read it today, Feb. 23rd. Here we are enjoying many robins, bluebirds & cardinals.
ReplyDeleteSpring is coming but it is still chilly and damp in our town of Atmore today. Prayers come your way often!!