"consider the lilies .."

"Consider the lilies of the field, HOW THEY GROW; they don't toil, neither do they spin"





It is right before spring. Things are beginning to change. The new growth is emerging right before our eyes. Are there some life lessons we can learn. I read often to 'consider the lilies", so I did. On my walk today I pondered the lessons of the lilies.

First, I noticed that the lilies have just now broken ground. Their presence is among us, but they haven't reached their purpose yet. They still must GROW. Right by the lilies are the daffodils. Its not even spring yet and they are in full bloom. I guess they like being first, grabbing the limelight before any other can. But soon they are gone. Withered by the heat of the season. Soon forgotten.

Then I noticed some rose bushes. They will bloom soon and bloom all summer. But they have those treacherous thorns which keep people at bay. Lovely to look at but not fun to touch.

There are some Tiger lilies along the road. They are breaking ground too.But unlike the day lily, they will grow a long stem to hoist their bloom way up high for all to see. They are grand in their statue, but their blooms are small and don't last long.

Day lilies know their place. They grow steadily for a long time. People usually wait in great anticipation for their blooming. Their blooms are grand. There are many different colors. Their blooming season is significant and different ones bloom at different times so we can enjoy them for months.

We are reminded that day lilies do not work hard to be what they are. There is no stress to be what they are meant to be. Maybe the lesson of the day lily is in HOW THEY GROW. They are faithful to their design as a day lily. They are not distracted trying to be a daffodil or rose.

Maybe self concept is more about being faithful to our design than putting forth great effort to become something else. Maybe we have a confused view of effort and success? Maybe it all starts with a view of self that is presented to us by the lily? 

You know the word "consider" is really a call to ponder? 


I'll leave it at that ....