Barley teaches us about **Faithfulness in Scarcity**. Because it ripens first, it was the grain that saved people from the "hunger gap" of late winter. It reminds us that God's provision arrives exactly when we need it most. It also teaches **Humility**; barley was the food of the poor, yet it was the grain Jesus used to feed the five thousand. God takes the "poor man's grain" and performs a miracle of abundance.
Touch the "beard" of a barley head. It is rough and protective. How does God "protect" the seeds of potential in your life while they are growing?
Thank God for the "First Fruits" in your life—the first sign of a breakthrough, the first dollar earned, or the first word of a child. Give the "start" to Him.
Rye teaches us about **Spiritual Hardiness**. It can grow in the sand, in the cold, and in the "exhausted" places where other grains give up. It reminds us that God's grace is sufficient even when our "soil" feels poor. It also teaches the virtue of **Cleansing**; because its roots stop weeds from growing, rye prepares the ground for future crops. We should be like rye—cleansing the environment around us by the purity of our "roots."
Look at the bluish tint of young rye. It is a "waxy" protection against the cold. What is your "protection" when the world feels cold or unfriendly?
The Practice of Endurance: Today, when you face a task you want to quit, remember the Rye. It keeps growing in the cold sand. Do one more step with a faithful heart.
Flax teaches us about **Refining and Service**. To get the linen, the plant must be "broken" and "beaten"—this is a picture of the trials that refine our character into the "fine linen" of the saints (Rev 19:8). It also teaches about **Carrying the Light**; as the wick of the lamp, the flax fiber is what holds the oil and allows the flame to burn. We are called to be the "wicks" that bring God's light into the darkness.
Hold a piece of linen or a flax seed. Think about the journey from a blue flower to a strong thread. What "threads" is God spinning in your life today?
A "smoldering wick" needs oil. If you feel like your light is fading, ask God for a "fresh anointing" of His Spirit (oil) today.
Basil teaches us about **Generosity and Influence**. You don't have to eat the plant to benefit from it—just walking past it releases its fragrance. It reminds us that our presence alone can change the "atmosphere" of a room. It also teaches the virtue of **Companioning**; by growing near the tomato, it makes the tomato better. We are called to be "Basil Friends"—people who make those around us "sweeter" and "stronger."
Rub a basil leaf between your fingers. Smells good, right? How can your *words* today be as sweet and refreshing as that scent?
Pinch the top of a basil plant to stop it from flowering. This makes the plant grow more leaves. What "flowers" (early successes) do you need to "pinch" so you can grow more "leaves" (substance) for the long run?
Nasturtium teaches us about **Sacrifice and Shielding**. Gardeners often plant them just so the aphids will eat the nasturtium instead of the beans. It is a "sacrificial bird" of the garden. It reminds us that sometimes we are called to bear a burden or a distraction for the sake of someone else's growth. It also teaches that **Strength can be Peppery**; goodness doesn't always have to be "sweet"—it can be sharp and protective.
Look at how water beads up on a nasturtium leaf (the Lotus effect). The leaf stays dry even in a storm. How can you stay "dry" (peaceful) even when the "rain" of life is heavy?
Eat a flower. Feel the "zing!" Thank God for the "zing" in your life—the things that keep you alert and sharp.
Cosmos teaches us about **Graceful Resilience**. Though its stems are thin and look like they might snap, they bend with the wind and rarely break. It reminds us that being "gentle" is not the same as being "weak." It also teaches the value of **Abundant Giving**; if you "deadhead" (remove the old flowers), the plant produces even more. The more we give our praise and our service to God, the more "blooms" He creates in our lives.
Watch how the Cosmos moves in the breeze. It doesn't fight the wind; it dances with it. How can you "dance" with the Holy Spirit's movement today instead of resisting it?
Wonder at the "Lacy Leaves." They are so thin, yet they make the whole plant strong. What "small, thin" habits in your life are actually giving you the most strength?
Lavender teaches us about **Purity through Resilience**. It loves the "hard places"—the rocky, dry, poor soil where other plants wither. It reminds us that our best "scent" (our character) is often produced when we are pressed by difficult circumstances. It also teaches the virtue of **Cleansing**; it was used to wash the most precious linens. We should be like lavender—people who bring a "cleansing peace" into every home we enter.
Look at the silver color of the leaves. This is a "reflector" to protect the plant from the hot sun. What is your "reflector"? How do you stay cool when the "heat" of life is on you?
The Practice of Stillness: Smell a piece of lavender. Close your eyes. For one minute, let all your worries go and just breathe. Ask God for His "Lavender Peace."
The Rose teaches us about **Sacred Boundaries**. The thorns are not "evil"—they are the protection for the beauty. It reminds us that we must have boundaries in our lives to protect the "bloom" of our spirit. It also teaches **Agape Love**; the rose gives its scent even to the hand that picks it (or the hand that is scratched by it). Finally, the rose teaches us that **suffering and glory are intertwined**; the same stem that carries the sharp thorn carries the perfect flower.
Look at a rose bud. It is tightly closed, protecting the petals inside. Ask God: "What is the 'bud' in my life that isn't ready to open yet? Help me trust Your timing."
Carefully touch a thorn. It is sharp! Think about the "thorns" in your life (difficult people or situations). How can they be the very things that "guard" your growth and make you lean more on God?