The Yellow Wildflowers of Texas – July 1

Today’s Readings:  AM Psalm 119:145-176; PM Psalm 128, 129, 130; Num. 22:41-23:12; Rom. 7:13-25; Matt. 21:33-46

When we lived in Austin, Texas, we would go to this great nursery and organic gardening center called The Natural Gardener. It was a little piece of sprawling Hill Country nestled in the exponential growth of an urban mecca. The Natural Gardener's gardens had wildflowers, a babbling brook landscaped with colorful flora, a huge swing, and a petting zoo with fancy chickens, fickle goats and an elusive donkey. There were days in the white-hot summer we would drive the 30+ minutes out to this haven, just for a place to go -- for a change in the rhythm of the week. I found great refreshment wandering the winding paths through herb arrays, edible farming rows, and dusty avenues to small corners of shade. It felt like time slowed down as I ambled and explored.

During one visit in the springtime, we found the Natural Gardener’s labyrinth, aglow with yellow wildflowers growing along the curves and turns. The rocky dust of the ground welcomed feet of all sizes, and the circuitous pathways invited play and prayer. As I read the words of Psalm 119 today, I am reminded of the meditative quality of praying psalms – especially this one. The selection of the words is woven tightly, always revolving around the center: YHWH (Yahweh). God. This portion of Psalm 119 is so raw. The psalmist pleads: I call out to you, God. Life has been hard. I try to keep your laws and statutes. Bring me redemption. It’s a prayer for God’s order in the midst of messy life.

And so, this morning I imagine rehearsing this song of prayer while walking (or tracing) the pattern of a labyrinth. The waves of emotion parallel the turns and switchbacks of the maze of meditation. What a cleansing and centering experience that can be, to allow these ancient prayers to draw us nearer to God. Breathing, praying, being. Being self. Being with God. Being loved.

-- Katherine+

Questions for Reflection

  • Where is a place of refreshment and connection for you?

  • In your mind’s eye, who else joins you there - friend, family, pet, or Jesus?

Daily Challenge

Spend a few minutes tracing the journey of a labyrinth (click here). When exploring a labyrinth, the pathway in is as challenging as the pathway out. How will you carry your sense of refreshment from God’s grace outward to others today?

Katherine Harper