Tuesday, January 26, 2010

worthy of taking a second look

I Look up to the mountains - does my help come from there? My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth. - Psalms 121: 1, 2 (NLT)

Even though the temperatures rose slightly beyond 67 degrees on a few days, but the air was frigid afterwards- some would say downright cold especially in the early morning hours. However, I get a dose of spring and summer time whenever I draw back the kitchen window drapes and see old "Pink Red AKA Hibiscus" (the plants). You see there are three potted plants in a plastic container, which has drain spouts on both ends. In early September of 2009, I was introduced to this natural phenomenon and felt that it is worth another look in 2010. As I'm sure you already know, Hibiscus are large shrubs or small trees that produce huge, colorful trumpet-shaped flowers over a long season. They are deciduous {falling off or shed at a specific season or stage of growth} shrubs with dark green leaves. The plant can grow up to 15 feet in frost-free areas. Flowers maybe up to 6 inches diameter, with colors ranging from yellow to peach to red. When I first came into contact with the Hibiscus, I discovered that unusual stems [dullish green in appearance] would show up first looking like an encased capsule.

Overnight the tiny greenish gray stem would appear with an elongated look to it. Wow! But during the hours at night, that banana shaped wonder would turn into a magnificent flower. But guess what? In a day or so, it drops off and falls onto the window sill! Miraculously, that same stem will come alive again by repeating the same process. Man! You talk about finding an inspiration for creative writing, drawing, painting, designing, etc. This was it! My eyes are always open to this kind of thing because it glorifies God. I call it an inspirational reminder.

On the other hand, some close friends of mine told me that I have a green thumb since the plants have survived for such a long time under my supervision. Well! I don't think so. You could say that I'm still learning. I want them to stay healthy and live forever. Yet, the truth of the matter is, I don't have a green dumb. As a case in point, I found out that Hibiscus should be checked for pests like aphids, white flies, and mealybugs. Wait a minute! What are these kinds of parasites? What do they look like? The good old dictionary helped me out. Aphids are any of various small, soft bodied insects of the family Aphididae that feed by sucking sap from plants. Mealybugs are any of various insects of the Pseudoccus, some of which are destructive to plants.

The white fly is any of various small whitish insects of the family Pleyrodidae often injurious to plants. To the natural eye, these critters are small, but God made them too. They have to eat, however, I discovered that when a tiny "lady bug" is let loose on the shrubs, the parasites can be controlled. The lady bug, while feeding itself, is literally keeping the parasites at bay; sort of keeping the enemies in check. Even though both the lady bug and the parasites don't have a clue about the spiritual implications of what they are doing but you see God does. All of them are examples to learn from. Isn't it just like a loving God to do such a thing? He wants us to be aware of Satan's devices.

Notice what Jesus said as recorded in John 10: 10, "The thief’s purpose is to steal and kill and destroy. My purpose is to give life." In 2 Corinthians 2:11, the apostle gives the same warning: “in order that Satan might not outwit us. For we are not unaware of his schemes.” The key word for me is to kill and destroy. One thing that clicks in my mind too is that cessation of life is a gradual process in most cases. The aphid, mealybug, and white fly gradually eat away at plants. You don't really see the devastating effect until decay of some kind sets in. In contrast to the thief who takes life, Jesus gives life. The life he gives right now is abundantly rich and full. It is eternal, yet it begins immediately. Life in Christ is lived on a higher plane because of his overflowing forgiveness, love, and guidance. In a spirit of thankfulness for God's gift of eternal life in Christ Jesus and for the timeliness of revealing a simpe plant, I composed the following poem as a praise offering:

Ode to Pink Red AKA Hibiscus

As winter evening light from the sun began to fade,
Yet your presence was brilliant with each pinkish-red blade.
Some say your features appear like a musical horn - a trumpet-
where wind from the mouth of man would only make a sound.
But let me tell you, I'm glad you're still around.
Against the clear window pane illuminating with five petals in all,
Yeah! Pink Red AKA Hibiscus is the name; so easy to recall.
In the still of the night, your wonders unfold as morning breaks.
I'm praising God for you - however long it takes.
I'm told you attract the hummingbird and butterfly;
just as does the alphid, mealybug, and white fly too linger nearby.
My purpose is to be alert while you blossom and grow;
‘cause you're really great - I just want you to know.
Selah