Ordinary Wonderment

Monday, May 24, 2010

Sedona Rose

“I want creation to penetrate you with so much admiration that wherever you go, the least plant may bring you the clear remembrance of the Creator. …One blade of grass or one speck of dust is enough to occupy your entire mind in beholding the art with which it has been made." ~ St. Basil the Great (329-379)

Today's Joy: The Amazing Variety in God's Creation.
While going thru the photos I took when Mom & I were out exploring area garden centers this past weekend, I found a bunch I wanted to share with you, Reader. These were taken at either The Planter's Palette in Winfield, IL or at Heinz Bros. Greenhouse in St. Charles.

There are some real beauties and an incredible variety of shapes, textures and hues. We had such a wonderful time marveling over plants and clever landscaping. Looking at the images I captured with my camera, I feel blessed to be surrounded by such beauty. It also reminds me that our trivial, human attempts at dabbling in hybridization don't even begin to scratch the surface of what God is capable of creating. A sobering thought.

“Love all of God's creation, the whole of it and every grain of sand. Love every leaf, every ray of God's light! Love the animals, love the plants, love everything. If you love everything, you will soon perceive the divine mystery in things. Once you perceive it, you will begin to comprehend it better every day. And you will come at last to love the whole world with an all-embracing love.” ~ Fydor Doestoyevski (1821-1881)

Of course, Doestoyevski is right. In the end, it's all about love anyway. God's love for us. God's love for Creation. God's wish for us to love each other as He loves us. That love includes stewardship of all the amazing, breathing beings around us. Two-legged, four-legged, six or eight-legged, even millipedes! And those beings that have no legs at all.

All are part of that great something we all long to touch. Funny, isn't it, how we spend our lives searching for the one thing that will fulfill us, only to find out we had it within us all the time. Actually, we're made of it. How's that for tangible love?

“Earth is crammed with heaven
And every bush aflame with God
But only those who see take off their shoes.”
~ Elizabeth Barrett Browning