I’d like to share some Comox Valley wildflowers with you.
Some are from the oceanside, the mountainside, and in between.
Wildflowers intrigue me. They are not predictable.
They show up when you least expect them to.
I’ve learned to bring a camera on my drives, out and about, to capture these independent beauties.
From birth, I noticed an independent spirit, that prevailed, in my oldest son’s heart.
Once he could walk, I really appreciated the seatbelt in his stroller – never mind the one in the car!
Sometimes I felt like a careless mom letting him walk off a little farther than the other moms let their children go.
But I had my eyes on him – like a hawk!
It’s just that some children need more room to roam.
When we lived on our acreage, I had a dinner-bell hanging on the front porch.
It was not just for looks; however, but also for my son to hear when it was time to come in.
Some children, like bedding plants, stick close to home: some are like wildflowers…
There is no right or wrong in this.
Proverbs 22:6 tells us: Train a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it.
I have heard a take on this verse that really makes sense to me.
We are to encourage our children in the direction that God has placed in their hearts to go.
It’s not about the parent’s wishes – it’s about God’s will.
Remember that the lion, in the Chronicles of Narnia, was not a tame lion.
I don’t think that we can safely predict God’s plan for our children anymore than we can predict where the next wildflower will show up.
We are to teach them about God as we go about our daily lives.
If we are “present” – there will be many opportunities for this.
It helps if we are reading God’s Word, ourselves, regularly.
Can’t give what we ain’t got!
And we can’t predict how life is going to pan out…
I think, respectfully, that God is wild at heart!
I hope you were able to make it through the entire wildflower tour, from the Comox Valley, here on Vancouver Island, in Canada.
I just couldn’t weed out anymore pictures than what I already have… remember that God has his own plan for our children, and weeds are flowers too!
Growing in Christ ~ Wendy
PS – Many of these photos I took after dropping off our son at his favorite hiking spots.
A beautiful display of wild flowers, some I’ve never seen before here in Wales. They are gorgeous. I like the theme running throughout the article, too. I love the idea that God is wild at heart. It makes sense, then, for us to be free spirits, seeing as we were made in His image. Thank you, Wendy. I enjoyed that.
Thank you. I think it’s great that there are people who think outside the box. It’s people like this that make great discoveries that can help others.
Blessings ~ Wendy
Beautiful photos and words. I’ve always loved wildflowers, so thanks for sharing! 🙂
Thank you. Wildflowers are definitely the spice of nature.
Blessings ~ Wendy
Spectacular flower photos, Wendy–I wish I knew all the names!! And such a good message, too! God bless you–love, sis Caddo
I don’t know all the names, either… I just know that I love discovering these flowers, when I am out and about.
Blessings ~ Wendy
The beauty of these wiildflowers somehow makes my heart glad. Thank you for sharing these lovely pictures.
Thank you for your comment. I am so thankful for unexpected beauty! I’m happy to share what I find.
Blessings ~ Wendy
Beautiful in pictures and words.
Thank you!
Blessings ~ Wendy
I like wild flowers, too! Thanks for taking us on the “tour”. Beautiful.
Thank you & you are welcome for the tour.
Blessings ~ Wendy
Absolutely beautiful thoughts, Wendy. I have just heard that interpretation of the verse, too – and it has refreshed the way I parent!
It’s nice to rest in the knowledge that He has a plan for our children. We are just supposed to be parents – not control freaks. 🙂
Blessings ~ Wendy
I love that verse, too, and as I’ve become a mom, I’m realizing the importance of all those words. My two children are remarkably similar, but I’m starting to see distinctions more, too. The love, prayers, grace, and training must be the same, but the ways in which they are applied need to be individually tailored!
Beautiful pictures, as always!
Thank you! My three are so completely different… it keeps me on my toes! I love them so much.
Blessings ~ Wendy
Oh, how I enjoyed the photo parade of flowers and your ministering words of comfort. I will never see that Scripture the same way, and I am blessed by the words you’ve written. Thank you!!! 🙂
Thank you for your encouragement! I can’t take credit for the thoughts behind the words, as they are based on those I have heard others speak…
Blessings ~ Wendy
All the same, they ministered to me today! 😉
🙂
So these are Canadian flowers? We have them in Sweden as well! Wild flowers are the wonders here all spring and summer. And, my favourite colour is green.
I suspect that the pictures I took, in our alpine park, are the only ones truly native to our country. We have some problems with invasive plants inhibiting our natural ones. Do you have this problem in Sweden?
Blessings ~ Wendy PS-Have you a link to your own wildflower pictures that you could share? Thanks ~ 🙂
Well, I don´t think we have that problem here with flowers – only in gardens there are others. On my blog you will find many wildflowers, but unfortunately I don´t have them assembled in special posts. I´ll try to find some for you! They are all tagged flowers of course. These ones are from this summer! http://www.lagottocattleya.wordpress.com/category/blommor/page/3/
Thanks, I will check it out.
Blessings ~ Wendy
So lovely!! What a garden you’ve gathered from the abundance of the hillsides! And I love the weaving of your thoughts about raising your son…dear and rich and thoughtful. I’m so glad I asked for the link! I hope my readers find this page of joy too.
Thank you, Sheri! I hope to take pictures of some of the spring wildflowers in our local alpine park this year…
Blessings dear friend ~ Wendy xo
So lovely, Wendy!
Thank you, dear Janette.