The French artist Henri Matisse said, ‘There are always flowers for those who want to see them’
His statement is literally true just now. Cherry blossom, tulips & blue bells are appearing everywhere ! Blossoms & blooms are ubiquitous in springtime.
But of course Matisse meant flowers metaphorically too. ‘Flowers’ of beauty (&truth &grace} are there in the garden of our lives when we seek to pick them out & notice them. We need to develop a positive,open mindset.
My counsellor used the analogy of berries & bears. In the forest of life, we may imagine bears- dangers & threats lurking round the trees. But we need to train our minds to look for the good things- the berries growing too. We can cultivate gratitude & mindfulness-& notice the tiny joys along the path.
An unknown person coined the phrase,’It’s the thoughts we water each day that become the garden we live in’ That’s powerful imagery. I imagine we’d prefer to live in a garden bursting with green-life & vitality, rather than one overgrown with tangled weeds & briars.
The Bible guides us how to think:
‘Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise.’
(Philippians 4:8 NLT)
Ultimately, God is the Source of all beauty, truth & grace.
And He says:
“You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.”
(Jeremiah 29:13 NIV)
Blessings,
Ruth x
Blessed! 