We often take what we read in the human life manual (The Bible) as rock solid truth that cannot be changed. Well, it is true, in fact, the very manual states so and why argue with the creator? What is fascinating though, is how deeply we understand many things written in that life guide once we experience the word in real life situations. At that point, most Christians tend to believe even more. Though unfortunate because the religion is a matter of faith.
One windy and slightly sunny morning on my usual route to work, I reached a corner I couldn’t just walk by as is my custom. Before my eyes was a beaultiful flower, dazzling and glowing in its colours with the presence of nector loving bees. I can only hope that those bees took some sweetness to make what I imagine would be the best honey ever. This flower instantly became top of the list of things that brightened my morning that day.
To me, this flower was to be a constant reminder that despite the multitude of evil that exists in the world today, beaulty and good is present too. It was to be that one thing to behold and find a sense of peace.
After a while of observing this natural resource and doing some nature photography, I finally proceeded to my destination. I couldn’t help the anxiety on my way back from work. I simply couldn’t wait to pause and admire that beauty one more time. My mind was so fixed on having that blissful moment alone, I even wished it was going to be a forever story.
When I got to that corner, alas, something was not the same.The flower was not in full bloom anymore, its petals were closed. No more glowing inside colours and no bees on it’s anthers or around the plant.
In that instance, I questioned myself why I was naive enough to even imagine finding the flower in its previous state. Logically, it was a totally different time and under different weather conditions, subjecting the appearance of the flower to possible shifts. Oh my, I thought in wonder and disappointment.
The flower didn’t just leave me perplexed and disappointed, it ignited the inquisitive part of me. So, I purposed in my heart to take a moment for some Citizen Science (CS). This is basically some voluntary science where interested community members (citizens) gather and provide data that can be useful for decision making in the communities or areas around them. Am not sure if what I gathered can be useful for any critical decision for natural resource conservation. But am sure its good enough for the distribution and successful growth of the particular flower species.
As a good Citizen Scientists, I decided to put this flower under daily observation, morning and evening for at least 3 consistent days. The photos shared here desplay my data collection process.
Day 1- Morning 
Day 1 – Evening 
Day 2 – Morning 
Day 2 – Evening 
Day 3 – Morning 
Day 3 – Evening 
Day 4
What never occurred to my mind was the idea that what I consciously decided to do under no influence from the Bible would help me understand the Bible better. My experience with this natural resource made me begin to respond to my inner questions and found answers to some of my struggles. Questions like, why can’t some moments just last forever?
These verses from the life manual came up:
1 Peter 1:24
As the scripture says: “All human beings are like grass, and all their glory is like wild flowers. The grass withers, and the flowers fall.
Psalms 103:15
As for us, our life is like grass. We grow and flourish like a wild flower;
Job 14:2
We grow and wither as quickly as flowers; we disappear like shadows.
Isaiah 40:8
Yes, grass withers and flowers fade, but the word of our God endures for ever.”
I finally realized that nothing truly lasts forever but God. Beaulty fades, riches vanish, the young grow old, the flowers and the grass dry, seeds get ready, dry and despersed for another run at life.
There’s no doubt, certain forms of happiness fade away. It takes consistency to keep the moments fresh, enjoyable, peaceful and to sustain hope for better things to live on.
Ultimately, most things or situations never really last but there is someone, the creator, God, and Him alone has been and will exist for eternity! Living a life anchored on the eternal one is a way to have a test and a hope for what eternity holds.
ExpeN 