Flowers of the field – 17 February 2020

You might have seen many pictures of this type, so be encouraged to take time to look at this one.

This picture is structured in strips – the sky, the far distance, middle distance and then the field full of poppies. The clear sky suggests a warm and pleasant day. The countryside in the distance is divided into cultivated fields. This side of the river there are more fields and some dwellings. Then the land rises towards the viewer. Looking down in the field we can see that the wild flowers that have seeded themselves are in full bloom. A young woman stands in this field, giving the whole picture a sense of scale. She stands still, possibly running her right hand among the flower heads. All is calm, with a sense of well-being.

The picture (Woman carrying a basket in a poppy field) is by Leon Giran-Max (1867-1927), a painter best known for French landscapes.

And why do you worry about clothes? See how the flowers of the field grow. They do not labour or spin. Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these.  If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you—you of little faith?  So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.

Matthew 6:28-34

Consider the lilies—how stately they grow!
They toil not, they spin not, no seed do they sow;
Yet they bloom all the summer, so shining and tall,
The Father who loves them takes thought for them all.

Consider the ravens—who gives them their food?
Who shelters their nest in the storm beaten wood?
Who guides the young sparrow? who watches its fall?
Their Father in Heaven takes heed for them all.

Our Father in Heaven, Thy children on earth
Than lilies or ravens Thou holdest more worth:
O guide us and guard us, be near when we call,
Uphold us, enfold us—we thank Thee for all!

Alice Brotherton, 1905