Bonnie Gray
September 7, 2022
“See how the flowers of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these.”
Matthew 6:28b-29 (NIV)
I forgot I left out the flowers after coming home from the grocery store. I’d spent an embarrassing amount of time deciding whether even to get flowers. When it comes to buying flowers for friends to cheer them up, I don’t hesitate. But flowers for myself? It felt too indulgent. Then I felt torn between buying flowers that cost less or buying the ones I wanted: hydrangeas.
I decided to go for it, placing the hydrangeas in my cart. But they ended up on the countertop at home that night. Because I was rushing to get dinner on the table, by the time the family gobbled up the food and washed the dishes, it was too late. I forgot to put the flowers in water! They were neglected, put to the side. The petals all wilted. So many times, I feel like those wilted flowers, worn and exhausted because I’ve neglected my emotional and physical well-being. I get so busy taking care of everyone else, I forget God cares about my well-being. Do you, too, ever feel like those hydrangeas, in need of nurturing? Do you find it easy to put your heart to the side?
God understands all the hard circumstances surrounding you. Yet your well-being is at the very center of God’s heart. You are His beloved daughter. God cares for you.
How you feel is important to God. He sees how you’re really doing. He wants you to take care of yourself because He loves you.
Having grown up the oldest child in a single-parent family, I’m an encourager by nature. I find it easier taking care of others, yet so often I forget my own well-being needs tending to … until I end up feeling exhausted and burned out with stress and worry. When you feel overwhelmed, hear Jesus whisper to you in Matthew 6:25-29:
“Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes? Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life? And why do you worry about clothes? See how the flowers of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these” (NIV).
Do not worry about tomorrow, God says. Look at the wildflowers — they do not toil. Yet how beautiful I’ve made them … How much more you mean to me, more than any of these!
Are you worried about so many needs around you that you’ve forgotten you, too, are worth taking care of?
Let’s get practical. Maybe you’re wondering, What is a simple way to remind myself of God’s care? Soul Care Tip: Buy yourself flowers. A Rutgers University study found that simply looking at flowers improves emotional health; the presence of flowers triggered happy emotions in participants, increasing feelings of life satisfaction. Flowers are a God-given, natural mood enhancer! Today, when you feel pressures pressing in, here is truth you can hold on to and breathe in.
Do something that brings you joy.
Do something that brings you peace.
Do something that brings you beauty.
And hear Jesus whispering:
I love you. I am with you.
Shine your light. Sing your song.
You are worth investing in, taking care of and nurturing.
The happy ending to my story is that I learned hydrangea petals freshen up when placed in warm water. A few hours later, my flowers were refreshed again! Your heart will also be refreshed, just like flowers blooming in the warmth of the sun, when you take time to rest and enjoy what brings you peace and joy. It’s never too late to run into the arms of our loving Savior, who cares deeply about our well-being!
Dear Jesus, I don’t want to neglect my emotional needs and wellness anymore. Quiet me with Your love. Bring calm and peace to me again. Help me let go of my worries about tomorrow so I can take better care of myself today, safe in Your arms of love for me, just as I am. Thank You. I love You. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.