Daisies
This is the day the Lord has made.
We will rejoice and be glad in it.
Psalm 118:24
Walking up from the water, my face lights up, I’ve come upon an unexpected surprise. A lovely bunch of daisies have sprouted up and bloomed in our perennial garden. They were not there last year. I have no idea where they came from, but they are a gift. Their bright cheery flowers make me smile, bringing back a flood of memories.
Daisies were my mom’s favorite flowers. We could be driving along a country road and if she’d spot them, we’d have to pull over and cut a bouquet. Something about a cheery bunch of white and yellow petals could always brighten the day. When my parents moved to northern Wisconsin, there were daisies on every roadside. She had my dad dig up some and plant them on their property. She was able to enjoy bouquets all summer long.
To this day, every time I see daisies I think of my mom. She’s been with Jesus for 10 years now and these flowers filled me with delight as I reminisced. Their timely appearance came as I’ve been reflecting on the joy of having grandchildren. I have a new found appreciation for the joy my mom felt at spending time with our children and how she must have missed them when we’d travel back home. I am truly blessed to have our grandchildren near. The endless joy and laughter they bring my husband and I remind us to see life through their eyes. Living in the moment, not worrying about what comes next, to simply enjoy our time together.
Daisies are one of the flower species that closes its petals in the evening. As morning approaches, the petals reach towards the sun, unfurling to greet the new day. Reaching their petals upwards in worship as if to say “Thank you God for today.”
As your eyes open in the morning, what are your first thoughts?
Many mornings our thoughts immediately turn towards our devices. We check our email. We want to know what’s new on Facebook or Instagram. Or we’re thinking about an important meeting or presentation at work. Our minds are already running the race before our bodies physically leave our beds.
What if we began our days like the daisy, uncurling our bodies, stretching out our arms in worship towards Jesus to thank Him for the day He’s given us? What if we surrendered our day into the care of His loving hands, seeking to honor and glorify Him?
By engaging in a morning act of worship, Jesus will help us set the tone for our day. Instead of a hectic pace, He will fill us with peace. This peace will help us engage in our day with a fresh perspective.
It’s difficult to retrain my brain to turn to Jesus first thing in the morning. My tendency is to immediately think of my day ahead and all I desire to accomplish. My humanity shows itself each morning. However, I admit, my days are more peace filled when I turn my thoughts to Jesus first, giving thanks for another day.
God loves us unconditionally. His love isn’t dependent upon if we remember to turn and worship Him in the morning. But, He is filled with joy when we turn our thoughts towards Him at the beginning of our day and seek to include Him.
Then I will praise God’s name with singing, and I will honor him with thanksgiving.
For this will please the Lord more than sacrificing …
Psalm 69:30-31
Do you have a morning act of worship?
I’d love to hear from you on how you welcome your day!!
Good morning Julie. What a blessing to hear your joy filled words this morning. I wake up and thank God for another day and for His love and blessings. I am closer to my grandkids but not close enough. God bless you and yours. Love, June
Good morning, Julie.
It’s been a while since I have seen any daisies. Black ( or are they brown ) eyed Susan’s are what I am accustomed to seeing in my little garden. Thanks for sharing your memories of your mom. I am glad that we are able to worship and to read God’s word. Thanks for sharing.
Pamela
Pamela, Thanks for sharing the type of flowers you have in your little garden. I am sure they are beautiful. I too am glad we have God’s word to read and are able to worship Him!
So beautifullynwritten and drawing the picture between the daisy and our own act of worship with arms lifted high! Thank you for this picture. I admit I fight the curiosity to not get distracted by my phone, but my morning consists of Jesus and coffee. Devotion time, reflection and worship music.
Carolyn, Like you, I too can find it hard to not turn to my phone in the morning. I love how your morning mirrors mine. Coffee, devotions, reflection and worship.
Thank you, Julie!! What a great reminder of the joy we receive when are eyes are on Him.
Barbara, Thanks for taking the time to read my post. May you continue to flourish as you serve Him!