Provision of Pollen

 

"And God said, 'Let the earth sprout vegetation, plants yielding seed, and fruit trees bearing fruit in which is their seed, each according to its kind on the earth.'  And it was so.  The earth brought forth vegetation, plants yielding seed according to their own kinds, and trees bearing fruit in which is their seed, each according to its kind.  And God saw that it was good."  

Genesis 1:11-12

Spring!  For those of us who live in a part of this country where winters can be cold, dark, and long, we all wait for the signs of spring.  Yes, the temperatures rise past the freezing mark, the birds sing their sweet songs, and the sun seems to shine a little bit longer.  With spring also comes that lovely green covering.  Grass you say?  Yes, the grass comes back to life, but I was referring to the green covering that goes EVERYWHERE – pollen. 

As I get so excited for the signs to start planting this year’s crops of vegetables and flowers, low and behold, the pollen arrives.  Some years, it is just a light dusting.  Other years it seems to blanket every inch of space – both inside the house and out.   The air is fresh, and I am excited to open the windows to let that fresh air in, only to have to dust the house six times in one day to keep up with the pollen.

Writing this, I am out on our deck and I see the layer of green on everything within sight – seat cushions, the grill, the outdoor furniture – everywhere.  As much of an annoyance this can be, there is such a greater purpose.  Going back to Genesis, I read this beautiful passage and it reminded me the of the goodness that God has provided to us.  Reading Genesis, I am not only reminded of why we have pollen, but more importantly, that every provision we need has been provided to us by our heavenly Father.

The goodness of God’s creation is abundant.  The annoyance of pollen reminds me of all the fruit and vegetation God gave to us to feed us and fuel our bodies.  Without pollen, we would not be able to reproduce our food.  Seems like pollen is a small annoyance with a much greater gift.   Whether it is the gift of food to keep us physically healthy or the gift of His Word to keep us spiritually healthy, God provides it all!  He can give us what we nourish and enriches our lives each day.

There are many things in our lives that can be considered little annoyances.  May we look at those annoyances from a different lens, one of provision.  As we get out the dust rag and wipe down the furniture one more time, may we do so with a smile in the knowledge that our God is providing for us all that we need.  The pollen will yield fruits, vegetables, and goodness for us all.  May we be grateful for all that God gives to us, even the pollen!

Heavenly Father, may we be grateful for the small annoyance of pollen.  Although it seems to blanket everything, we also know that you created it to help reproduce fruits and vegetables for our physical needs.  Thank you for providing all we need God, and ensuring we are sustained year after year.  In your name we pray.  Amen!