The Flowers
Song of Songs 2:1 "I am a rose of Sharon, a lily of
the valleys." NIV
During my years as a pastor I did many funerals and one thing which always
struck me amidst the grief of the situation was the flowers and the affect they
had upon the mourners. The beauty of the floral arrangements dried the tears of
sorrow, if only for a moment or two as people gravitated toward the displays.
Conversations swayed away from despair and hopelessness as family members
admired the various hues, blooms and scents. Each arrangement no matter how
simple, much like the beacon of a lighthouse radiated hope amidst the storm of
death. Their simplicity, their fragility, their strength, their intricacy, their
vibrancy, their beauty, their fragrance, their uniqueness spoke volumes without
ever uttering a word.
I feel that the words of David as penned in Psalm 30:5, weeping may remain for a
night, but rejoicing comes in the morning, sums up the song of their silent
vigil as they grace our places of mourning.
When a loved one dies, something in each of us does too. Death brings change,
never again will we be quite the same as we were before its’ entrance. Yet this
change does not mean that life will never again be good, wonderful, fragrant or
full of hopes and dreams for the future, for God is merciful, faithful and
compassionate, he cares for those who mourn and heals the broken hearted.
If your heart is heavy this day due to the death of a dream, a hope, a loved
one, look to the glory of the flowers and let them point you to the most
wondrous bloom of all, the Rose of Sharon, the Lily of the valley and the
splendour of His holiness; Christ whose fragrance, love and beauty have the
power to turn your wailing into dancing, and your mourning clothes into garments
of joy that your heart may once again sing to Him and not be silent . Yes,
weeping may remain for a night, but with Christ beside you, rejoicing shall come
in the morning.
Prayer: Father God thank for the Rose of Sharon, the Lily of the valley, your
Son, Jesus Christ. May the splendour of His holiness and the fragrance and
beauty of His love radiate within our lives this day that our hearts might sing
to Him forever and not be silent. In Christ’s name we pray. Amen.
Lynne Phipps
lynnephipps@hotmail.com
Atlin, BC