Hydrangea Power

If you're a mother you probably remember what it was like to go out in public with your new baby. People stopped you wherever you went. They cooed at the baby and said nice things to you. Most offered congratulatons. Going to the grocery store was transformed into a time of affirmation, when people noticed you and your beautiful baby and complete stangers felt compelled to strike up a conversation.

My youngest turns 21 on Saturday so it’s been a long time since I experienced being popular at the grocery store—until today. I didn’t have one of my beautiful grandchildren with me but I did enter Walmart through the garden section—I did this so I could buy an empty flowerpot for Eric’s birthday. He asked for “Dirt Cake,” a desert using crushed Oreo’s, which resemble dark rich soil. You add high calorie, low nutritional ingredients like Cool Whip, Vanilla Pudding and Gummy Worms in layers. To finish off the deception, you might stick a fake flower into the pot before serving it.

Anyway, I went to look for a flowerpot and on my way I saw some gorgeous Hydrangeas. These are my favourite flower and the decorations in my house proved it. These fabulous flowers called out to me and begged me to take them home. I couldn’t resist and placed them carefully in the front of my shopping basket then headed over to the food section.

That’s when it began to happen. Women everywhere spoke to me, “Are those flowers real?” “What beautiful flowers.” “Jut look at those Hydrangeas!” “I can’t believe the color!”

I must have had six complete strangers talk to me. That hasn’t happened since the baby days. Beauty draws people. God planned it that way, didn’t He? There is a part of us that responds to beauty for He is the Maker and the Source of all things bright and beautiful and there is a place in our soul that was created for Him—for beauty.

So, if you’re feeling lonely just place a beautiful flower in the front of your grocery cart at your local supermarket. You don’t have to buy it, just stroll down the isles and enjoy the conversations, when you’re filled up, you can replace the flower or, if you’re able to spoil yourself, take it home and absorb the joy for days to come.

“Thank You Lord for creating beauty that takes our breath away. Prepare our hearts to see you, Oh Beautiful Eternal Gardener and Friend, Amen.”