Wood Anemone

Anemonoides nemorosa, or the wood anemone, is a pleasant flower that grows in ancient woodland. It spreads very slowly, by as little as six feet per century, so it is often used as an indicator of the woodland’s age. This effectively means that its beauty gradually increases with time’s passing. As Western culture idolises youth, so we tend to dismiss age and wisdom. Spiritually, however, our loveliness increases the older we become, for the many additional years we have received the Spirit’s sanctifying work. There is no fool like an old fool, and no saint like an old saint.

Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you completely; and may your whole spirit, soul, and body be preserved blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. 1 Thessalonians 5:23