Every Spring, I look forward to seeing them–these splashes of blue in fields of green. Some might consider them weeds, just sprouting up here and there and everywhere. But me? I think they’re beautiful…absolutely beautiful.

I’ve always loved them, but this year, well, it’s been even more of a blessing to see them. Why?  Because they’re predictable.  They stretch up every year. There’s something so comforting these days about things that are predictable, steady, anticipated. Like blue cornflowers in a field of blue, some things are still staying the course in a world that is daily changing before our eyes.

COVID-19 didn’t keep the cornflowers away. It hasn’t kept the dogwoods from blooming either.

No, those dogwoods are blooming away.

And COVID-19 hasn’t kept the bluebirds from flitting and flying about and preparing their nests.

This pair flits and flies all around the yard and often ends back at the same branch. Yeah, they don’t seem to be the least bit concerned about COVID-19.

Calves are still being born. Momma cows are still swishing flies away with their tails. Breezes are still blowing and grass is still growing.

Somehow in an ever-changing world with some frightening things on the horizon, there’s strength and hope to be found in seeking out familiarity, and things that are steady. There’s strength to be found in things that we can count on.

So maybe, that’s why I seem to be appreciating blue cornflowers more this year. They are a reminder that in the midst of change, there are things that don’t. In the midst of new seasons, there are things that stay the same, things that we can count on, things that aren’t effected by what can feel all-consuming.

There are truths that are timeless as well and stay the course way more than blue cornflowers. These are worth holding onto and can provide so much comfort as well. I love the verse that says “Lo I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Matthew 28:20. I’m not sure what the end of the age looks like, but I’m pretty thankful that His presence is here for the long haul. He doesn’t change. He’s the same yesterday, today, and forever.”  That’s pretty steady…and way more to hold onto than just things we see and touch in the world around us. Like blue cornflowers those things can fade pretty quickly.

God calls us to be steady /steadfast as we trust in Him. Hebrews 10:23 says, “Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful.”  We can stay steady and hopeful because He is steady/ faithful. I love that. Like blue cornflower perennials that bounce back every year, we can  have resilient spirits that stay steady in a world that  is so not. Hopefully, what we bring to the world will be a splash of beauty here or there, a reflection that points back to the One who created us.

Because our Creator? He knows all about the changes. He knew they were coming before we did. His world is still spinning, the dogwoods are still blooming, and birds are still flitting about. Yeah, lots of things can help us to remember that there are still so many things to hold onto and be grateful for–we’ve just gotta look for them–maybe a little harder right now, but we’ll find them. On this Thankful Thursday, I’m definitely thankful for that.

Blessings~

Heather