Thought for the Dy - Thursday 25 June

Thought for the Day – Thursday 25^th June

‘Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they neither toil nor spin yet ……so do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring worries of its own. Today’s trouble is enough for today.’

(Matthew 6: 28 & 34)

What a beautiful day it was yesterday for a walk!

So taking advantage of the warm sunny weather we set off on a circular tour walking from the manse along Legbrannock Road to Newarthill and then back to the manse via different parts of New Stevenston and of Holytown!

It was a long walk - which I needed - but an enjoyable one and not just because for the first time since ‘Lockdown’ began I was actually able to converse physically with a few of you who happened to be in your garden, having a wee chat with you over a fence while keeping that physical distancing, but also because the sunshine seemed to highlight so much of the nature around us on our walk.

While walking along Legbrannock Road we were astounded at the grass verges because they were alive with wildflowers – the elderflowers were blooming, the clover was profuse, the dog roses were bright and colourful, we even saw a whole patch of large wild daisies in full bloom and some wonderful yellow wild irises - it was just as if the wildflowers were unfurling in front of our very eyes and each with its own beauty!

I commented that I wondered how many people walking along that road would even have taken time to notice some of these flowers – particularly those irises which were tucked in among the trees – to which the reply was ….well at least you noticed them so that is someone. I have to say I am so glad I noticed them in all their beauty because believe me they were indeed beautiful!

Then, as we approached Brannock Gate on our walk – yet again I spotted something… and smelt it!

For there, almost unnoticed by most I am sure, right at the side of the pavement was the most beautiful yellow rose growing among the trees and bushes! How it got there who knows – but there it was radiant among the greenery, clothed in all its beauty!

Now none of the wildflowers I saw yesterday were lilies but they definitely brought to my mind these verses from Matthew’s gospel which remind us that if God gives so much attention to the appearance of wildflowers, most of which are never seen, how much more attention will he give to us. So we should not worry – instead we should give our attention to what God is doing right now – we should not get worried or worked up about what may or may not happen tomorrow – we should simply have faith and trust that whatever hard things come up and whenever they do come up God will help us to deal with them.

In the meantime why not just do as it says in the text take time to consider… take time to pause and think…take a step back and reflect… take in the sights and sounds and fragrances around you…revel in the stillness…listen to the movement…take joy in just stopping for a while and noticing all that is around you and then wonder at the fact that everything happens by the grace of God – seen or unseen – appreciated by someone or not.

So don’t worry…take time…consider…and remember God is on hand to help you deal with whatever comes – today, tomorrow, forever.

Prayer

Loving God,

Bring us to those quiet places in our lives where we can take time to reflect and consider the way in which you clothe each and every part of your creation. Bring us in our lives to a place of stillness and calm where we, trusting in you, can let go of any worries we may have and place our lives you’re your loving arms. We ask these things in Jesus’ name. Amen

A little picture of that rose clothed in all its beauty for you to reflect upon!