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)
