This past weekend was Mother’s Day. Only recently did I discover my mother’s favorite flowers were daffodils, daisies, and roses. So, I thought I would find out what was so special about these flowers.
Daffodils symbolize honor, loyalty, rebirth, new beginnings, and eternal life. A bunch of daffodils indicates joy and happiness. Daisies represent innocence, purity, loyal love, and cheerfulness. (Of course, I cannot help but recall the scene in “You’ve Got Mail” where Kathleen describes daisies as the “friendliest flower.”) As so popular on Valentine’s Day, roses reflect love. It was interesting discovering the varieties of flowers and their meanings: from death to life, loyalty to infidelity. (Another scene that amuses me comes from “The Wedding Planner” in which Steve suggests the official funeral flower of Tibet for a wedding. Have you guessed that I love romantic comedies?)
It draws me to wonder why my mother enjoyed these particular flowers. I wonder if she even thought about the meanings, I would like to think she did. How could I relate these flowers to my mom? She enjoyed natural beauty and had a love of flowers and plants. The beautiful Dallas Arboretum was a favorite place for her to visit.
I would have to say these flowers represent her in many ways. As daffodils represent, she started a new beginning almost four years ago. She now enjoys the blessed eternal life where she is most likely running on hills covered with flowers and taking in more beauty than we could ever imagine here on earth.
Though she had challenges and experienced pain, I cannot recall hearing my mother say a negative word about life. She was a true encourager and support. She was positive and reflected love and grace to everyone she knew. She definitely displayed innocence, purity, and loyal love to my father and the family. Her cheerfulness and joy was evident when she was with her children and grandchildren. Overall, she had a beauty that radiated love. Part of the description of the woman in Proverbs 31 is, “Her children rise up and call her blessed; Her husband also, and he praises her: “Many daughters have done well, But you excel them all” (Proverbs 31:28-29, NKJV).
Our connections challenge for the week: The Scripture says in 2 Corinthians 2:14-15 that Christ distributes through us “the fragrance of His knowledge in every place. For we are to God the fragrance of Christ among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing.” As we reflect on our mother’s special flowers or our own, take a few moments to research the flower and discover the history, varieties, colors, locations where found, and meanings. Visit a florist or market, and pick up a nice bouquet or take a walk outside where you can enjoy a variety of flowers and fragrances. Notice the beauty as you reflect on the creativity of the flowers. If your mother is running on the hills with my mother, honor her on this special day by taking a moment to reflect on her beauty. As you go throughout your day, be the fragrance of Christ to others: one of honor, joy, happiness, innocence, purity, loyal love, and cheerfulness.
Closing Comment: If you are able, take the opportunity to make the connection with your mother this week.
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