Reflection
In our busy rhythm of life, we all need a season of rest, a pause in the constant motion. This truth becomes very apparent to me as I look upon the Easter lily that found its place in my office a year ago. With its beautiful white flowers, the plant brought so much joy to me during the cold winter times last year. However, after a few weeks, the flowers fell off, and the plant seemed to be dying. The thought, “Oh no! I managed to kill yet another innocent green buddy”, entered my mind with much guilt.
By September, the plant appeared lifeless. Caught in the busyness of all the fall activities at Bethel, I procrastinated throwing away the soil. Fast forward to October, and what do I see? A little green shoot poking out. Turns out, I didn't murder the plant! It just needed a timeout to make a comeback. In excitement, I called my husband to share the news that I had not, in fact, killed the plant. It just needed time to experience a death of sorts to experience a resurrection. In that moment, the realization struck me, that this humble Easter lily was living out its own resurrection story.
You know, life has this funny way of teaching us valuable lessons. Here is what I took out of this story:
· The Easter lily stands as a reminder of Jesus' resurrection and his presence even in the midst of our doubts.
· This story serves as a gentle reminder that we, too, need seasons to slow down, seasons for a time for rest and rejuvenation, so that, like the lily, we can flourish again.
· The final lesson was the assurance that God, who cares for the flowers of the field, is even more attentive to our needs. Rest, therefore, is not only acceptable but necessary. Trust that God will nurture and sustain you. Take the time to slow down, not necessarily to experience a death but to allow your body, mind, and soul the opportunity to grow and resurrect, just like my little green buddy.
May God, the caretaker of birds and flowers, remind you of his promises to you in your seasons of intentional rest.
- Pastor Valerie Alipova
