Matthew 6:28-29 — And why take ye thought for raiment? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they toil not, neither do they spin: and yet I say unto you, That even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these.
Proverbs 6:6-8 — Go to the ant, thou sluggard; consider her ways, and be wise: which having no guide, overseer, or ruler, provideth her meat in the summer, and gathereth her food in the harvest.

No, really, consider the lilies. Consider the ways of the ant. Spend time, stop, look and listen.
The “lilies” were probably the crown anemone, a showy flower with as many as 25 different color varieties in Israel. Not that it really matters precisely what flower is referred to. Israel is home to many beautiful species … Not only does God array the lilies, but He arrays his bride,Israel, too.
When you stop to look at them closely, flowers are amazing. You can count at least 9 separate parts … each with its own particular function … the stalk, the petals, the sepals and all the rest. Do you ever just stop and look?
Ants are pretty amazing too. They are strong, organized, and disciplined. Do you ever look at how fast they move? If an ant was the size of a racehorse it could win the Derby. An ant can lift 20 times it’s body weight. (If my Myra could do that she could raise a ton. She’s strong … But not that strong!) Ants use scent to pass messages, and move eggs and larvae around to keep them warm. Those little insects are designed by God to work together!
Lilies and ants … Miracles of creation. How many more are there? How many did you stop and look at today? The Jewish comedian Eddie Cantor understood the importance of slowing down and smelling the roses. He said:

Slow down and enjoy life. It’s not only the scenery you miss by going to fast-you also miss the sense of where you are going and why.

Every day as Myra takes me to work and back, we’re passed by people who are so focused on making progress that they completely ignore what’s going on around them.
What all this makes me wonder about is whether there are people who live their faith lives in the same way. Are they so busy with action that they don’t stop and smell the spiritual roses? I wonder if there are people who get through the daily reading plan, but don’t have time to contemplate the verses? Is there anyone who works through the prayer list but doesn’t have time to think about the people they’re praying for? I don’t know … I’m just wondering …