God blesses those who work for peace, for they will be called the children of God. (Matthew 5 v9 NLT)
Anenomes are canny flowers. They only open when the sun is shining. Apart from those moments, the petals close to protect the valuable nectar and pollen. There aren’t many bees and moths around yet, so self-preservation is important. Delicately coloured, beautifully designed like a “landing pad” for insects, these early flowers face the best and worst of Spring. Slugs are stirring and nibbling, Jack Frost may still call, but anemones offer themselves for food and for the future of their own gene pool. Sunny days are blessed by their beauty.
They are at peace with themselves and the insect fan club.
My camellias are bolder. Their blooms face the same unpredictable conditions, but once open they stay open to allcomers. Some flowers are bruised, others scorched, frosted camellias go brown, but some stay lovely- and they are all working for Spring, hope, and summer’s joyfulness.
I think Jesus enjoys anemones. But they don’t take risks. Perhaps Jesus admires the tough courage of the camellias more?
When Jesus taught about blessedness, He meant much more than “happy.” Much more. “Blessed are the peacemakers,” He said, “They will be called the children of God.” The peacemakers will show family likeness: their generous courage is similar to the life and death of Jesus. They WORK for peace, striving to restore harmony and reduce enmity and hostility. There may be a cost to the individual; peace is sometimes expensively purchased.
Our world needs peacemakers right now. Will we be “all-in” camellia-peacemakers? Or offer limited liability, being only anemones of reconciliation? Friend- or Anemone?
Lord, can I be a peacemaker? To be blessed- and a blessing.
Matthew 5 v9 in the Message translation:
“You’re blessed when you can show people how to cooperate instead of compete or fight. That’s when you discover who you really are, and your place in God’s family.”
The Reflectionary 