My walk to admire seasonal beauty opened my eyes to more than flowers. Here’s what I noticed about abiding in Christ.
Lesson 1
Our snowball bush boasts huge, ball-shaped flowers and commands attention and appreciation. Its branches held so many blooms this year, I couldn’t imagine one more fitting on its limbs. This stunning shrub reminds me of God’s blessings—bountiful and perfectly selected for us.
God’s creation calls our attention to Him when we take notice of all His wondrous works. I wonder how many times I miss them, and how many times I notice but forget to thank Him. Abiding in Christ includes being aware of His presence, noticing His blessings, and thanking Him for them.
Heavenly Father, lift my chin to notice the numerous ways You bless me. Thank You for the beauty of spring and eyes to see it. Teach me when I read Your Word, Father, and open my eyes to Truth.
Lesson 2
The snowball flowers display their beauty by remaining on the shrub and growing from bud to full bloom. We grow in Christ as we abide in Him and draw spiritual nourishment from our relationship with Him through Bible study and prayer.
We can define abide as “to live, continue, or remain … abiding in Christ is not a special level of Christian experience, rather, it is the position of all true believers.” 1
Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me.
John 15:4 ESV
There’s so much God wants to teach us—about Him, life with Him, and how to bear fruit to honor Him.
Father, as I walk with you each day, help me enjoy the adventure. Open my spiritual eyes and ears to know what you want to teach me.
Lesson 3
When I continued my walk, I noticed two spirea bushes. I called those plants “Bride’s Bouquet” when I was a child because they bloom with tiny bunches of white flowers. These graceful shrubs add a delicate, lacy touch to the spring extravaganza and make me smile.
God’s blessings also delight us, adding joy, grace, beauty, and wonder to our lives. They help us pause and remember who He is. We can exchange fear for His gift of peace. We can lay down our doubt and pick up faith.
God’s blessings also delight us, adding joy, grace, beauty, and wonder to our lives. They help us pause and remember who He is. Share on X
Heavenly Father, remind me when I carry around heavy burdens you never planned for me to bear alone. I want to embrace all your gifts and live for You.
Lesson 4
When our granddaughter took a bouquet of spring flowers to our neighbor, I thought about how God gives us gifts to share.
Father God, thank you for blessings to enjoy—like beautiful spring flowers. Thank you for Your presence in my life and Your faithfulness. Remind me Your blessings are not mine to tuck away and admire. Instead, they’re designed to remind me of Your love and care and to share with those You place in my path. Make me a worthy steward and help me share my blessings today.
Lesson 5
After admiring the large shrubs, I wandered around the yard and noticed weeds and wildflowers peeping through the grass. The onion grass with its characteristic smell peppers the lawn with light green stems and white flowers. But weeds are a nuisance, I thought.
Upon closer examination though, I observed the pretty, delicate little flowers heralding a new season. Instead of characterizing onion grass as a pest, I decided to appreciate it as a unique sign of spring and another of God’s creations.
Do I look for the good in everything or am I too quick to complain? As I reflect on this, I realize all God’s gifts are good.
Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change.
James 1:17 ESV
Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.
1 Thessalonians 5:18 ESV
Heavenly Father, remind me to thank You in all things—all the time.
Lesson 6
The next wildflowers I spotted impressed me with their royal color and dramatic shape. They stood in sharp contrast to the surrounding grass and urged me to take a closer look. Although they were stunning, I’d almost missed them. Like the striking wildflowers, I wonder if I overlook people on my path whose lives would enrich mine or vice versa.
Heavenly Father, slow me down when I’m too busy to notice the people You send to teach me and the people You plan for me to serve.
Lesson 7
As I studied other wildflowers through the lens of my camera, I realized they would disappear as soon as my husband cuts the grass. They would provide colorful accessories to spring’s fashion show for only a few more days. How I wished they could stay.
Some blessings are fleeting—ours to enjoy for only a brief time. A sunrise. A sunset. An opportunity to share the good news of salvation in Christ Jesus—the Creator Who gave us such gifts as spring flowers and opportunities to share our blessings.
Lord Jesus, let me fix my gaze on You each morning so that I notice and embrace all the gifts You prepare. May I not miss a single opportunity to share Your love with others.
Your Turn
How does God use His creation to remind you of blessings or teach you about abiding in Christ? Please tell us about those you’ve received or shared recently.
- “What Does It Mean to Abide in Christ?” Got Questions, Got Questions Ministries, January 4, 2022. https://www.gotquestions.org/abide-in-Christ.html .