yesterday and today.
The floral variety there is overwhelming—
all the colors, shapes, sizes, complexities.
How could there be so many?
Why are we on earth showered
with such extravagant, unnecessary beauty?
During my visit today
something additional caught my eye
and made its way into my soul:
the Garden is prepared with such artistry, such sensitivity.
Each tulip bed is arranged in strikingly complementary colors—
a vividly bright bed here,
a study is subtle pastels there.
In one bed half of the flowers are deep purple in color
and the others are a rich burgundy,
one strong color playing off the other.
Only after sitting there awhile
did I see that quiet detail
some thoughtful spirit had carefully planned:
At the base of these foot-tall plants
was a blanket of cheerful pansies,
each of which had three petals of the same purple color
and two of the same burgundy hue.
Why do I write of this?
Because I believe we are at our best
when we take that which is God-given
and combine it lovingly and joyfully
with that which is humanly inspired,
our humanly inspired.
I believe that may be when
God is at God’s best too.
