Garden plants

This post looks at four plants in the garden with a conversation between Paul and Timothy, except we do not know what Timothy’s answers are, perhaps we have our own personal answers to what is said. Let us first look at a garden plant in each case.

Here is the first tulip to open above the thriving, deep blue grape hyacinths and also well framed by the cardoon.

Paul makes this main opening statement:

‘ Deep respect for God with contentment is great gain.’

Why?

‘ For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out.’

The brown, woody sticks belong to the Aster which had many small purple daisy- like flowers during the summer. I am pleased that it has a few leaves arching out from its base. It is alive and not water logged.

Let us hear Paul talking to Timothy some more:

‘ And having food and clothes let us be content.’

Why?

‘ because/but being rich has a way of making us fall into temptation, it is like a trap of foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown people in destruction and final ruin of the soul.’

Then here comes this famous saying:

Paul continues: ‘ For the love of money is the root of all evil which while prized/strongly desired/coveted after, they have violated standards of conduct which are of faith and

How has this left them?

‘ It has pierced themselves through with many sorrows.’

Fern-leaf yarrow, Achillea filipendulina. It is not surprising that it has come through winter they say it can withstand temperatures of – 20 C. An excellent architectual, drought – tolerant and pollinator – friendly plant. The large mustard – yellow flower heads were eye-catching last year from June to September.

It hates to be waterlogged!

‘But’ says Paul as he continues to speak to Timothy

‘ A person of God will flee from these things and follow righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness.

What is meekness?

Here is a quote from Matthew Henry: ‘ Meekness is calm confidence, settled assurance, and rest of the soul. It is the tranquil stillness of a soul at rest with Christ. It is the place of peace. Meekness springs from a heart of humility, radiating Christ.’

So what is humility?

‘ Humility is not thinking less of yourself, it’s thinking of yourself less.’

C. S. Lewis

(I travelled a bit there.)

The self sown forget- me- nots. They seem to grow any where and every where in our garden. I have written about them and placed them with others in small arrangements. They are hardy and good to see, today.

Let us let Paul continue:

‘ Fight the good fight, lay hold of eternal life which is what you are called to and a profession you profess to many witnesses. And I beg you keep what I have said until the Lord Jesus Christ appears.’

From Paul to Timothy and anyone else who cares to look into themselves and the world and its people and see the outcomes.

( There are words changed and summarised I have made it my own. It is in 1 Timothy 6: 6 -12.)

Take care,

Sandy 🙂