“Consider how the wild flowers grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you, not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these.” – Luke 12:27

As an amateur photographer I feel that I have a fairly good eye for beauty. Yes, I understand that aesthetic is very much a subjective idea, but I am confident the images I am sharing today will check the “beautiful” box regardless of your point of view.

Some objects, of course, appeal more to one person than another, and then different cultures have different ideas around what they find attractive. But I am also sure there are examples that stand apart from opinion and are – like Plato’s “forms” – standards against which other objects must be measured, perfect archetypes of “beauty.”

But seek his kingdom, and these things will be given to you as well. – Luke 12:31

These flowers are an example. It has also been fun to watch the spectacular progression in this little pot labeled “Bulb Garden with Amaryllis.” From the single green triangle and several indistinct nubs a week before Christmas (see photo gallery below), through the white flowers in early January to this week’s loud and proud series of amaryllis blooms.

When Jesus said, “Think about the flowers in the fields, and how all the trappings of wealth could never match their beauty,” he was talking about the fact that when it comes to standards, to archetypes, to touchstones, ideas like beauty and goodness and truth hold their place beyond – and above – the machinations and the manipulations and the self-aggrandizements of human power and presumption.

I believe that the essential teachings of Jesus and the humble witness of the flowers are a timely and an urgent message for today.

The flowers on my kitchen counter are telling the story the best way they know how – DEREK

For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. – Luke 12:34