“He maketh me to lie down in green pastures; he leadeth me beside the still waters.” Psalm 23:2 (KJV)
Green is one of my favorite colors, both in home decor and clothing. I don’t believe there is a single hue of green that doesn’t please my eyes. Those very pale, hushed, watery shades of green in the early spring herald the approach of snow crocus, daffodils, hyacinths, and the weeping willow tree. In the summer, we see the stronger greens of lush lawns, leafy plants and vegetable gardens. Fall foliage displays those avocado and hunter greens, just about ready to take the plunge toward orange, gold, and red. And to carry us through the winter months, we have the evergreen—what is more beautiful than a holly tree full of red berries that has been dusted with snow? Surrounded with inches (or feet) of snow and frozen soil, the evergreen stands firm, it’s “green” telling us that it is surviving, and that spring is just around the corner. Green represents life and growth, and during the four seasons of a year, green is always with us, always a constant. Another constant in our lives is the presence of God—always there, always with us. Just as we see the seasons change, so we encounter many changes in our lives; but we can rely on an unchanging God. Many years ago, I purchased a small framed prayer that said: “Dear Lord, please help me through the changes in my life. Amen.” This is a good prayer to pray anytime, but especially during the month of March—a month of many changes. It arrives roaring like a lion and departs meek as a lamb, yet in the interval we experience a myriad of weather conditions and changing landscapes.
I hope you have a wonderful March. Below I have listed a few of my favorite green things, and in parentheses I tell why they bless me.
- Emeralds (such a super-rich color; Queen Elizabeth owns the real thing—mine are glass)
- Moss (as a child I couldn’t wait to take off my shoes and walk on that velvety, cushiony surface)
- Money (I am blessed to have enough to meet my needs)
- Green Depression Glassware (something I collect—my favorite pieces I bought at an auction–dirt cheap)
- Shamrocks (their little blooms are so delicate and remind me of St. Patrick’s Day and Ireland–a place I would like to visit)
- Weeping Willow Trees (their leaves are one of the first signs of spring)
- Green Eggs and Ham by Dr. Seuss (it tickles my funny bone)
- Green Beans (one green vegetable I never turn down)
- Hostas (every variety blesses me; would like to be a ladybug and rest in the shade of those broad, dark green leaves)
- Lime Sherbet Ice Cream (how could you not be blessed by this on a hot summer day?)
- Kermit the Frog (what can I say? he blesses the “entertainment” side of me)
- Green Lights (a real blessing when you have a lot to do in a short amount of time)
- Putting Greens (my husband’s idea—he thinks no list is complete without it)
(c) 2012 Leslie O. Kelley