You, gentle and white sit on a cushion of sunshine. You embody happiness.
A wise actress, after receiving a bouquet of daisies exclaimed, "Daisies are the friendliest flower." This is a statement that I stand behind.
What I love about this flower is the simplicity. A daisy awakens a youthful joy in me. I love that they are an every mans flower, they are everywhere in the summer and if there was enough time in the day, bouquets could go for miles. They dance, and seem to glow in the sunshine. They are pleased to simply exist.
Those were the days, those lazy summer days when time seemed to stay still. When a backyard became a jungle or a tree house transformed into a palace. It was amazing how holding a tiny metal race car felt like I was behind the wheel, or that our dreams still could become a reality. There was wonder behind every activity and a simplicity in our expectations. Perhaps this is what the world is missing now. The child-like innocence and perspective. Those were the years when things where black and white, and shades of grey were reserved for the shadows on the wall. Where does this youthful optimism go? Why do things have to be complicated and intricate?
I watched yesterday as a meadow seemed to come alive as wind dusted over it. It seemed as though jolts of lighting-like wind surged through it as patterns formed on the pond in front of me and the grasses sang and swayed happily around me. As birds played above, diving from great heights down towards the water and then, as if in a moment of panic tilted their noses only to settle in the tall grass, I sat there silently mesmerized by the artistry that surrounded me. From the finesse of the feathered to the harmony created by the wind and grass, the moment felt peaceful as the sun settled in the western sky.
I find myself in moments like this and it's places like this where I can collect my anxious thoughts, and sift through my worries. There I am gently reminded I can lay my burdens down at the feet of the creator of Heaven and Earth and he cares.
22 And he said to his disciples, “Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat, nor about your body, what you will put on.23 For life is more than food, and the body more than clothing.24 Consider the ravens: they neither sow nor reap, they have neither storehouse nor barn, and yet God feeds them. Of how much more value are you than the birds!25 And which of you by being anxious can add a single hour to his span of life?[a]26 If then you are not able to do as small a thing as that, why are you anxious about the rest?27 Consider the lilies, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin,[b] yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these.28 But
if God so clothes the grass, which is alive in the field today, and
tomorrow is thrown into the oven, how much more will he clothe you, O you of little faith!29 And do not seek what you are to eat and what you are to drink, nor be worried.30 For all the nations of the world seek after these things, and your Father knows that you need them.31 Instead, seek his[c] kingdom, and these things will be added to you. 32 “Fear not, little flock, for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom.33 Sell your possessions, and give to the needy. Provide yourselves with moneybags that do not grow old, with a treasure in the heavens that does not fail, where no thief approaches and no moth destroys.34 For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.
I thought for sure I would have found them lifeless and limp lying at the bottom of that forgotten jar deep in the forest. But there they were, a live and well proving that I am not broken. Their little wings beat effortlessly now in my stomach whenever you give me that smile, or take my hand when I least expect it. My little butterflies are resilient and their little wings beat fervently whenever you enter my thoughts. I had released any hope of finding them alive, but there they were as if no time had past since they first flew into my heart...
