Consider the Lilies

‘Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink, or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing? Look at the birds of the air; they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they? And can any of you by worrying add a single hour to your span of life? And why do you worry about clothing? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they neither toil nor spin, yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his glory was not clothed like one of these. But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which is alive today and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will he not much more clothe you—you of little faith? Therefore do not worry, saying, “What will we eat?” or “What will we drink?” or “What will we wear?” For it is the Gentiles who strive for all these things; and indeed your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. But strive first for the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. ‘So do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring worries of its own. Today’s trouble is enough for today. Matthew 6:25-34

We have three grown amazing daughters, and yet, if I am honest, I still worry about them. They are not causing me worry, my heart just wants the best for them at all times, and I ache for them to be treated well, and for them to treat themselves well. I am their mother, and they are my heart. I can't help it! And, I imagine that God cannot help but has our needs at heart. We are made in the Creator's image, imperfectly so maybe, but still the power of love in all of us is implanted in us from the beginning. Today, I am reminded that when the ache of worry sets in, I am invited to seek God more deeply. 

Loving Creator, you mold us out of dust

you are the foremost potter creating us

forming us in your image and likeness

embedding us all will hearts of your love.

We are caught up in striving and worrying

yet no change comes about by our fears

we have forgotten have to trust you

and do not seek you in all times and all things.

Help us today to see the beauty around us

help it to teach us to put our trust in you

give us love beyond measure to share freely

and help us to rest in your care for us all. Amen.