I came upon this tiny columbine, flourishing in a most unlikely place.
My first thought was to wonder how it got there – but the bigger question is, how did it make it? It must have been carried by the wind. How easily it might have landed in the water to be carried away or dashed against the rocks. But here it landed, took root in the moss and grew. Its flowers bob before the splashing falls, whether afraid or exulting in life – it’s hard to tell!
I feel like that flower sometimes. Hanging on for dear life, feeling the spray behind me, water swirling all around. Today, watching it, I realize all the credit for the flower’s presence there goes to the things that at first make the situation look precarious: the rock and the water. The rock provides a stable landing place with moss for it to grip and feed on. The water splashes and rushes, yes – but also gives it life.
Lord, thank you for the rock you place beneath me, the way you refresh and nourish me in such unlikely ways. When I feel fragile like this columbine – please set me high upon your rock!
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The people of Israel often compared God to a rock: strong and faithful, an everlasting refuge. Here are some good passages for meditation. Look them up and write down in a journal what you learn, asking yourself how they might apply to you:
- Psalm 18:31-33 (I love this one. You might want to read the whole Psalm, then zero in on those verses)
- Psalm 27:1-5 (again, the whole Psalm is a wonderful comfort and support)
- Deuteronomy 32:4
- Psalm 31:1-3
- Psalm 61:2
- Isaiah 26:4
- Psalm 94:22
What a beautiful analogy, Sarah. It reminds me of Lilias Trotter’s observations in “Parables of the Christ LIfe.”
She compared God’s ways in forming us into Christ’s likeness with His creation and illustrating it with her watercolors.
Thanks for the reminder, I had forgotten. I love her watercolors and reflections!