Several
countries around the world celebrate Tulip Day to welcome the spring. When I
think of tulips, I often think of the Netherlands, but commercial cultivation
of the flower began in the Middle East. Today these colorful flowers span the
globe. An estimated 109 species of tulips now grace parks, thoroughfares, and
home gardens all around the world.
Last fall
I planted some tulip bulbs. Several months later, they bloomed with vivid
colors, announcing the coming of spring. They reminded me that summer was on
the way and with it will come even more flowers to delight the eye.
Flowers
are wonderful reminders to me of the grace of God in our lives. Our Lord used
lilies of the field to remind us of the provision of our heavenly Father. In
His great Sermon on the Mount, Jesus said, “Consider the lilies of the field .
. . ; and yet I say to you that even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed
like one of these. . . . Will He not much more clothe you, O you of little
faith?” (Matt. 6:28-30).
Tulips
alert us to the end of winter and the beginning of spring. But like the lilies
of the field, they can also remind us of the One upon whom we can depend to
provide food, clothing, and shelter.
If God is
concerned about flowers and birds, He certainly cares about you and me. (RBC)
