Lilacs and Goldenrods

/ kd sullivan

I went for a walk yesterday.  It has gotten ridiculously hot, (almost 90 degrees), so walking in the sun isn’t as pleasant as it should be in May. As I was walking, I passed a lilac tree.  I love lilacs.  This is the first house I’ve lived in, in years that didn’t have a lilac bush.  I almost knocked on a neighbor’s door to ask if they would mind sharing their bounty.  Seeing that I haven’t spoken to them since last year when I asked the same question, I thought it best to skip it.  On another day, and perhaps another blog, I’ll have to think about what I can do to show the love of God to my neighbors more regularly.

The whole walk thing reminded me of a Sweetest Day about 14 years ago.  For some reason, I’ve been thinking a lot about my time as a single mom lately.  I was working full time, and many of the wives at the office were receiving flowers for the holiday.  I remember feeling  a little insignificant because I had no significant other.

My daily tasks required me to run an errand in the afternoon.  The sun was shining and it was a perfect fall day.  I looked out my window at a field of goldenrod, glowing like the sun.  I heard a voice inside say, “Happy Sweetest Day!  I’ve not given you a single bouquet, but instead a whole field of flowers.”

Isn’t He wonderful?

61 thoughts on “Lilacs and Goldenrods”

  1. Indeed, He is! 😀 Have you considered baking cookies? I’ve thought about that before. Or maybe a neighborhood picnic. Or…something.

    What is Sweetest Day? (It sounds a lot like Valentine’s Day.)

    *hugs* Anything I can pray for you about?

    Reply

    • Sweetest Day is a lot like Valentine’s Day, except its for lovers only. Valentine’s Day used to be for sweethearts, but it has grown to daughters and mothers, etc…so Hallmark decided we needed another holiday for our sweethearts.

      I’ve brought cookies and stuff to my neighbors, but I feel its time to go beyond gifts and to actually say something. If I were to stand before the Lord today, I would feel very uncomfortable about the fact that I’ve said very little to them about Christ.

      Prayers? Sure! I’ve been dealing with some health issues…and you can pray for wisdom for sharing with my neighbors. 🙂

      Reply

  2. Oh, I love this! 🙂 I love these kind of hugs and kisses from God! (And could you send us some of that 90 degree weather? Spring’s a bit reluctant to show up ’round these parts…)

    Reply

  4. Wow! So beautiful. I love looking at flowers because I get lost in their little world. I am not surprised that my first book is about flowers or a sunflower actually. Sunflowers are unique in that they follow the sun and then stand firm to share their beauty and strength with the world. I guess we should be more like them in Christ: follow the Son, stand firm on His word, and share with others.

    I apply those same concepts in the children’s book. Here’s to hoping they sprout like sunflowers.

    Reply

  5. Kim, as for sharing God with the neighbors, there are ways to do it without talking or elaborating. He’s in your heart and it shows. You can say things to them like, “It’s a beautiful day, thanks to God,” or “The God in me allows me to be so neighborly,” etc. One thing about children of God is people know. They sense it.

    Reply

    • I have given many gifts to my neighbors, and as Proverbs says, my gift will make room for me. You are right, engaging in kind “its not about me, its about you” conversation is my next step, along with some concentrated prayer.

      Reply

  7. It never seizes to amaze me the evidence God gives us of His love and nurturing of us. I find that when I’m feeling at my lowest, something like what happened to you with the field of flowers, happens to me as well, and I’m able to carry on content in the knowledge I am not alone.

    Reply

    • I like how the Amplified Bible says, “I will never leave you without support or forsake you or let you down, my child. I will not, I will not, I will not in any degree leave you helpless or relax my hold on you…assuredly not!”

      Reply

  9. Love the field full of flowers, just for you. When we first moved to this area, a rose bush planted by the previous owner bloomed, giving me roses for our wedding anniversary, the end of NOVEMBER! I knew Who those came from.

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  10. Kim
    As always I’ve been give my dose of joy with your blog. I don’t have any great advice about reaching out to your neighbors except continue to be the blessing that you are. Each time you see them give a smile and a word as its given to you at that time by the Holy Spirit. Following His directions will provide you with what’s needed at that time that will allow them to open their hearts to Christ and you. God always has a blessing for us each day we just have to open our eyes and our hearts to receive it.
    Smooches
    RevLa

    Reply

    • Oooh, I like that the cycle of joys and sadness that flowers bring…weddings, funerals…birthdays, get well…You are right about the kind talk. I’ve given TONS of gifts, but I need to step it up in the friendly talking mode. Now that it’s nice out it should be easier! Thanks for your kindness. I’m continuing to really enjoy your blog. It stimulates my intellect!

      Reply

  12. Lovely thoughts! And a beautiful photo to go with them. I love lilacs and am hoping to plant some here at our new house. If only I can keep the deer from eating them all 🙂
    Blessings!

    Reply

  16. Thank you for sharing the lovely photo. I absolutely love Lilac and would really like some now please to brighten up this winters afternoon.
    I have a quote from Max Lucado that I think of often and have used in my blog – “Next time a sunrise steals your breath or a meadow of flowers leaves you speechless, remain that way. Say nothing, and listen as heaven whispers, “Do you like it? I did it just for you.” ”
    Judith

    Reply

  17. A delightful way to start one’s week, and thoughtful of the presence of beauty and our taking the time to see.

    Thank you for your kind comment of my blog, much appreciated.

    With every good wishes.

    Reply

  18. I like the goldenrod story. The Lord indeed gave us a garden to live in and all of the wonders of the earth are ours in enjoy. I fill my “organic” home with tree branches and pine cones, acorns and of course whatever flowers are in bloom. Indeed the fields of “wild flowers” belong to all who have eyes to see. Thanks for the beautiful photo and the reminder.

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  20. I think the Lord brings us back to these moment so that we may stay fresh in our thanksgiving and His GREATNESS!

    I could almost smell these lilac’s thru the screen!

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  23. Lilacs and Goldenrods,

    I share your love for lilacs.. I love to go out in my yard and sniff the lilacs everyday. They are so beautiful and GOD gave them such a beautiful scent; it seems a shame their life is so short. I wish you lived by me, I would give you a open invitation to cut and enjoy my lilacs. I have been widowed for over 2 years now; so I have no significant other as well, and those times you talked about are hard, but with GOD’S love we get through. Thank you for posting your story.

    Reply

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