Pastor Dan - September 2018
This flower jumped out at me as we strolled around Encinitas, a beach side community in San Diego’s north county. The flower was probably six to seven inches across. Perhaps it is the deep red center contrasted by all the green surrounding it which drew my attention to it. But as I looked at it, the flower reminded me of Luther’s Rose. It’s obviously not a rose, but this flower was a certain reminder of some of the theology behind the rose Luther depicted to symbolize a theology of grace. The deep crimson at the center reminded me of Christ’s blood and as it radiates out, it turns into this pure soft white reminding us of a cleanliness which comes to us in forgiveness through His blood. The petals overlap reminding us of our daily need as our lives unfold in various stages and seasons. This particular flower has a golden stigma which looks like a golden crown lifted above the flower: the King of kings.
This picture, along with several others, was taken at the San Diego Botanical Garden. The garden is located in Encinitas and has been evolving since before 1917. It now consists of four miles of trail and various gardens of plants gathered from around the world. There were waterfalls, a beautiful gazebo (for weddings), guided and self-tours and so many different plants, it was just too much to do in one trip. It was truly an amazing walk and one of my favorite plants was the flower called “the flaming sword” from South America.
The other thing that caused me to pause and consider was that this garden has been “officially” developing for a century in San Diego County. I was raised in San Diego. I have spent my whole life visiting family in San Diego. I used to surf Encinitas. I have loved that area since I can remember. I NEVER knew this garden existed. This incredible treasure and amazing wonder has been among my living for my entire life and I had no clue it was there.
Jesus has and is among us and at times, it seems, that we’re not aware of His presence among us. We tend to get caught up in the work and business of the world and we forget about the faith given for us to call and see the Christ presence among us. There are daily reminders (like the flower above) that we speed by and fail to observe God’s speaking and God’s care to remind us of His presence in our day to day. I thank all of you for the opportunity to slow my life down for several weeks and spend time employing eyes of faith to see God’s daily wonders among us. For in our life of faith in Christ we definitely are blessed with the fullness of life and living.
In Christ’s love and service,
Pastor Dan