Petunias

… Consider the lilies of the field … Matthew 6:28 KJV

Last spring, we went out to select some annuals for our garden. We were shopping by color, looking to find complements to our yellow and purple perennials. We chose salvia and petunias.

I had forgotten, though, how much the rabbits love petunias. In a few days, we found several plants that had their flowers chewed on or completely bitten off. Now, the rabbits are welcome to all the weeds they can eat. But I draw the line at giving them store-bought flowers. I sadly consigned the petunias to the rubbish heap.

But one petunia refused to die. It lay among the weeds with its roots open to the air and sent out a pretty pink blossom. Such a determined reach toward life had to be rewarded. I rescued it, planted it, and watched it flourish. This is it today, cheerfully complementing the yellow coreopsis.

And if God cares so wonderfully for flowers that are here today and gone tomorrow, won’t he more surely care for you, O men of little faith? Matthew 6:30 Living Bible

Whenever I see that petunia, I remember how close I came to giving up on it. And I think, if a flower can hang in there when it will last only one season, then I can, too. No matter my circumstances, happily in a garden or sadly on a rubbish heap, I will bloom where I am.

Because Jesus said, I came that they may have and enjoy life,
and have it in abundance (to the full, till it overflows).
John 10:10 Amplified Bible, Classic Edition

Thank You, God, for giving me life abundantly!
Please don’t let me fail to see this amazing blessing,
no matter what is happening around me.