I’ve noticed them near the two-lane at the end of our block. Just a few volunteers poke up among the weedy gravel at the side of the road. This morning I happened upon a field where many of the bright orange flowers were congregating. I did that thing I do; I got down on my hands and knees so I could see them more clearly. (A few weeks back, I talked about the power of getting close.)

Looking at these orange flowers that congregate outside of well-maintained yards, I find new power in one of my favorite biblical passages. Jesus is reminding hearers about the pitfalls of focusing on the worldly. He reminds us that worry is fruitless.

Consider the lilies, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin; yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his glory was not clothed like one of these. But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which is alive today and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, how much more will he clothe you—you of little faith! And do not keep striving for what you are to eat and what you are to drink, and do not keep worrying. For it is the nations of the world that strive after all these things, and your Father knows that you need them. Instead, strive for [God’s] kingdom, and these things will be given to you as well. Luke 12:27-31 NRSV

Jesus reminds his hearers that we are each called to focus on God’s kingdom rather than worrying about the earthly. As a follower of Christ this means that I need to worry less about accumulating things, about where the next paycheck will come from, and what our culture tells us is the norm. If I keep my eye on being God’s love in the world, the choices and actions that I need to take will become apparent. If I love without hesitation, I will find peace and calm with what is rather than what I want.

Creating Provider: Help me to consider the orange flowers of the graveled shoulder and weedy field. Amen.