Thankful Thursday

I love the idea of setting aside a day a week on my blog to be thankful. Because the truth is we often let our days slip by without being intentionally thankful. Oh we think quick thoughts of thanks, but how many times do we take the time to actually express that attitude to God or even to others?
This morning I was walking around my flowerbeds, drinking my final cup of coffee before leaving for work and it occurred to me that I was just so thankful for the beauty of flowers. I am so glad that God loves beauty. He could have made everything black and white, or dull and boring, but He didn't! God loves beautiful things. And not only that, He shared his love of beauty with women. Most women love making things beautiful and having beautiful things and I believe that is a special gift from God. And it is a part of Him that He wove into our femininity. I think it is one of the ways women are most like Him. Like any other gift, it can become distorted. If beauty is our ultimate desire then it becomes something that God never intended it to be. But I also wonder if it is just as wrong to ignore, or take for granted the wonderful gift of beauty?
I thought it might be fun to share some of the beauty in my yard with you today:

I just love pansies - they are always so "happy"! I love the one that is lifting its face to the sunlight. It reminds me that I should always lift my face to the Son. Look at the one peeking out from the rocks. Maybe it is saying that even in the rough places of our lives beauty abounds.
And look at these beautiful Columbine. I think I look forward to these the most every summer. They are so delicate, but strong. And they come back year after year. It is good to be tough and resistant to the harshness of life. And it is good to remain beautiful year after year. I love the variegation in the shade of pink. It shows every shade imaginable in the same bloom. Even though we may experience different shades of emotions in our lives, oh that we may be like the Columbine and let it all combine into one beauty.


And this is my favorite flower of all:
Bleeding Hearts!
My grandmother always had Bleeding Hearts in her yard and I was so enthralled with them as a little girl. I determined that I would always have them too. I was so thrilled the other day when my daughter came home from San Diego and asked if I still had Bleeding Hearts. She said she couldn't imagine home without them! I hope my girls carry on the tradition. Bleeding Hearts make me remember that I need to be burdened for others, especially those who are in need. Our hearts should always be open and giving to those whom Jesus loves.
And look at this Peony - just bursting at it's seams - longing to be a part of this beautiful world.
Oh, that I would always be anticipating whatever it is that God has planned for me next!

Thank you for indulging me and going on a walk through my flowers. I hope that I have conveyed the thankfulness I feel in my heart towards our Creator.

If you would like to have a Thankful Thursday click here.