Dahlia Envy

The caterpillars and aphids of East Lancashire seem to think that I grow flowers for their sole benefit. They must think me a most generous and beneficent host, judging by the quantity of my greenery upon which they daily feast. One dahlia, above, even had its petals eaten. Only one flower has been unmolested by the munchers and sap-suckers' insatiable appetites. This is the one flower in which I can take some pride:

That evening, I called at a congregant's home and beheld his gigantic dahlias, entirely untouched and untroubled by Adam’s curse and Britain’s parasites. Was I struck by a bout of dahlia-envy? Might I shake a fist at the sky and demand to know why my tender plants should suffer, while another’s sway and giggle in the sunshine?

This winter, they shall all be dead anyway. Yet does not the Lord allow some of our bodies to decay and deteriorate, sometimes painfully, while others enjoy the rudest of health right throughout their dotage? Why are some families’ children always little angels, godly and serious, meditating upon the fifth Commandment day and night, while others behave not unlike kiddies of hell? Why are some churches always experiencing exponential growth, led by perfect, smiley pastors, never perplexed by divisions or theological differences, while others just about hold their heads above the water, or worse? The list might go on.

Paul urges the Philippians:

Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling (2:12).

Many love to consider this verse and dispute its meaning. Here is my application, for today: forget others’ dahlias, marriages, children, churches, health, and bank balances: concentrate on your own life and walk with the Lord. Enjoy what you have, and seek to improve and remedy that which is insufficient. Rejoice that others seem to do better and have more, but be content with your lot, and be found faithful in the small corner providence has seen fit to give you.