Wildflower Ways

When I was almost 4 my family visited the countryside of Quebec. I tasted wild strawberries for the first time; I marveled at cows peacefully grazing in pastures. But what do I recall most? Fields covered with wildflowers. At the time I simply enjoyed their beauty and variety: daisies, black-eyed Susans, buttercups. I delighted in God’s creation like never before.

And not only are wildflowers delightful to behold, but they can also be useful. A friend mentioned that her children were outdoors gathering dandelions. When I asked why, she said that her family planned to make honey. I had heard of dandelion tea, but honey? Later she surprised me with a jar of fragrant, fresh honey.

Wildflowers are beautiful and useful, but they also symbolize humility. An allegory I read pointed out that wildflowers never care whether people notice them or not. They simply bloom for the glory of God, content wherever He allows them to grow. 

After reading that, I reflected anew on those flowery fields in Canada. They had a deeper meaning than I had realized back then; by now I appreciate the memory for much more than its beauty. Those wildflowers remind me of what God wants me to be—humble and content wherever He chooses to plant me.