The Language of Flowers
By Ken and Jan Merop
Cleveland, Tennessee
When springtime arrived here in Tennessee, it was a whole new world of blossoms and trees for me. Oh, there is some overlap from other places we have lived.
However, it seems each state has its own array of foliage that wows me. Whether clusters of trees that are flowering or mature trees with trunks so wide you couldn’t hug them if you tried (though you might wish you could!), God’s creation shouts its praise to our Creator.
We purchased Hydrangeas, Coleus, Caladiums, Petunias and Hibiscus. Each thrives in particular places around the exterior of our house or on porches. They are like lights illuminating a dark place.
I enjoyed looking out for them each day. But as summer waned, so did the flowers and leafy specimens that had graced our outdoor garden. Now, the falling leaves that open the view of the mountains return, and the splendor of Autumn colors and crispy weather invite us to the next season with all its delights.
In all of this, there is a language spoken to our hearts through flowers, trees, and even falling leaves that usher in the starkness of winter (though even then God graces us with evergreens!).
This language I speak of came to me loud and clear one summer morning.
For some reason, I was a bit out of sorts. I felt sad and a little adrift.
Though I knew I was reacting to my husband’s activities away from me including an evening and morning back-to-back, I knew I had no reason to do so.
Yet, that feeling persisted.
I confessed it to the Lord and prayed he would help me be in good spirits when Ken returned and shake off this unwanted cloud that had settled on me.
A few hours later, I was fixing my breakfast when I heard him come home. He presented me with some corn on the cob that a friend had given to him. But from behind his back, he pulled a bouquet for me.
Placing them in my hands, I experienced my husband’s love through the language of love in that bright white and yellow bouquet.
In Psalm 19 NLT we read about how the heavens proclaim the glory of God. And I believe God speaks to us through all of creation the language of love that “they speak without a sound or word; their voice is never heard.” (verse 3)
God answered my prayer through Ken’s visible love for me in the love language of flowers…now happily gracing our home indoors. Selah
Brilliant Splendor
This flower reflects God’s artistic boldness.
With a bright smile, warm touch, or expressive glance,
we reflect God’s brilliant splendor to others.
“Be imitators of God…And walk in love,
as Christ also has loved us and given Himself for us,
an offering and a sacrifice to God
for a sweet-smelling aroma.”
Ephesians 5: 1 & 2
_________________________________________
After six years in the mountains of Avery County, Ken and Jan Merop are now living in the hilly Tennessee countryside of Cleveland, TN…just outside of Chattanooga. Ken’s photos can be seen at kenmeropphotography.com.
Read more Christian news from Ken and Jan HERE.
_________________________________________
