The Yellow Peony

Weekly Inspiration for June 25 - July 1, 2022

A Yellow Peony in bloom

She grows so fairly,

Reflecting the sun,

Then lends her beauty,

To everyone.

I found this yellow peony, locally. I thought it was lovely because it stood out from all the usual shades. In her sunny coloring, she depicts new beginnings, a fresh start. And the peony’s floral meaning is: honor, romance and love, and sometimes shyness.

They are often used in weddings and found in gardens because of their large blooms. They remind me of tissue-paper flowers in their fragility, since a rain shower always bends them near to the ground.

The peony’s description could also describe a Godly woman. Look again, honoring, loving, possible shy (humble, gentle, modest, bowed to the Lord, compassionate). In fact, the flower’s layers make me think of the example set forth in Proverbs 31. But where you see "wife" think of all of the roles of women.

“Who can find a virtuous and capable (woman) wife? She is more precious than rubies. Her husband can trust her, and she will greatly enrich his (another’s) life. She brings him good, not harm, all the days of her life. … She is clothed with strength and dignity, and she laughs without fear of the future. When she speaks, her words are wise, and she gives instructions with kindness. She carefully watches everything in her household and suffers nothing from laziness. Her children stand and bless her. Her husband praises her: ‘There are many virtuous and capable women in the world, but you surpass them all!’” Proverbs 31:10-12 and 25-29. I hope you’ll read the entire passage from verses 10-31. In fact, verse 31 tells us that “a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.”

So maybe the yellow peony has one more lesson to offer … her coloring is lovely, yet quiet. Perhaps this is to illustrate a gentle spirit (from the fruits of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23)). And whether this bloom, or you beloved, are alone or part of a couple—may you flourish in the place that God has you blooming. For to be kind and wise and a good steward of all that God provides, is surely the model of beauty in His eyes.

May you grow so fairly,

Reflecting the Son,

Then lend your beauty,

To everyone;

For then, God will be praised!

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