MORNING GLORY 14

28 “And why would you worry about your clothing? Look at all the beautiful flowers of the field. They don’t work or toil, 29 and yet not even Solomon in all his splendor was robed in beauty more than one of these! 30 So if God has clothed the meadow with hay, which is here for such a short time and then dried up and burned, won’t he provide for you the clothes you need—even though you live with such little faith?

33 “So above all, constantly chase after the realm of God’s kingdom and the righteousness that proceeds from him. Then all these less important things will be given to you abundantly.34 Refuse to worry about tomorrow, but deal with each challenge that comes your way, one day at a time. Tomorrow will take care of itself.” -Matthew 6:28-30, 33-34 TPT

“She is clothed in strength and dignity, and she laughs without fear of the future.” -Proverbs 31:25 NLT

She does not worry or toil, but she laughs. She rests and trusts without fear of the future.

Who is she?

Sometimes I’d like to think she’s me. Other times, she’s a stranger wannabe. Maybe you can relate?

This season has humbled my plans and my pace. For the first year in a long time, I’ve actually lived springtime without distractions of school and everyday craziness — I’ve watched winter branches transform into everything green. (insert sneeze!) I’ve seen dogwoods and cherry blossoms and wisteria paint my neighborhood pastel purple and pink. You know what amazes me? Spring does not need a signal or a sign. It marches in right on time and we didn’t do a single thing here. We just get to marvel and enjoy its gifts.

I think flowers are the best part of spring. Ever since I was a little girl flowers have been my favorite. We can take a lot of hints from the way flowers live. Rooted deep down, they are not afraid of a little dirt. They stand tall in every weather. They take a rainy day as joy because it renews their strength. And they always face towards the sun — that’s where the light is.

In Matthew we read about beautiful flowers of the field neither working nor toiling — and God still provides abundantly for them. Flowers count their days and make their days count because they do not last forever. Even so, they are not in a hurry; they do not wear themselves out with their work. It does not mean they are lazy — photosynthesis is a full time job, you know! But there’s a calmness and beauty about flowers that feels right. It’s a new hymn of life and we’re invited to join. Oh friend, would we remember He too cares for us! Even on the rainiest of days, He provides.

I’m learning to let these days be a grace period and a grow period: a rooted rest with extra seeds of patience. We give grace a boost when we water it with laughter. We can laugh without fear of the future and that’s more than enough grace today. I’m learning to place my plans loosely before the Lord while keeping my feet firmly planted in His promises. Seasons change — spring flowers come and go. But God’s Word doesn’t change — it changes us!

God clothes us with strength and dignity so we can laugh without fear of the future. It's the kind of laughter that frees our souls from whatever bondage or trials we face. I’ve heard laugher is some of the best medicine, and we have one better. Jesus gives us every hope we need for the future — starting today. Yes, even on this Good Friday in the middle of a pandemic, we have cross-shaped healing in our Savior. In Him our battle is already victorious! Some circumstances we face especially today are no laughing matter. Even still, we can be joyful without fear because the Lord holds us all in His hands. He holds me and you. Not one cry nor laugh escapes His notice.

Our laughter pushes back at the darkness we face. When we laugh without fear of the future, we water the world with happy tears — salting the ground where we walk with trust in God’s provision. We are called to be salt and light. What better way than with laughter? She laughs. So can I — and so can you.

Photography by Meghan Murphy Gray.   |   Tote bags by Winnefred Austin.