blossoms or bees

I was inspired to use cherry blossoms as the main photo of this site. These flowers have a special meaning to me and I thought it might be fun to share the story behind why I chose them. 

We used to live within walking distance of a darling local park. Walking with my kids in the stroller to that neighborhood park is still some of my most cherished memories. I vividly remember in the Spring I noticed the most beautiful tree. Not originally from the southeast part of the country, I didn’t know what type of tree it was. After doing a little digging, I learned it was a cherry blossom. 

The flowers on this tree were the most subtle shade of pink and appeared like fluffy cotton candy from a distance. I parked the stroller and got my son out to take a closer look.

As we were nearing it, I heard hundreds of bees buzzing around in the tree. The sound was surprisingly loud. I was having flashbacks of My girl (anyone else traumatized by this movie as a child?) and began to back away. 

I recognized the irony of this stunning tree being consumed by swarms of bees and got curious. I learned that the most important pollinator for cherry blossoms is by far the honeybees. Honeybees find this flower attractive because they can collect both nectar and pollen. The flowers only bloom an average of 14 days so the bees have to make the most of the time. 

I vividly remember God impressing something upon my heart at this moment. It was as if he was asking me the question, are you going to enjoy the beauty of the blossoms or fixate on the potential threat of the bees? 

In the early days of new motherhood, I was struggling with postpartum anxiety. I was simultaneously experiencing the most joy and purpose I’d ever had but anxiety was my constant companion during that season. 

I love a parenting philosophy that essentially says not to focus on the weeds. Whatever you focus on will grow, so train yourself to look for the good. I have found this principle true in many areas of life. 

the Bible says in Psalm 145:13-16:

“The Lord is trustworthy in all he promises and faithful in all he does. 

The Lord upholds all who fall and lifts up all who are bowed down.

The eyes of all look to you, and you give them their food at the proper time. 

You open your hand and satisfy the desires of every living thing.” 

He is good and we can trust him, that is a promise. He provides food for the honeybees at the proper time, how much more he sees you, cares for you, and will satisfy the desires of your heart. 

The little downtown in the community I live in is lined with cherry blossom trees for blocks. I look forward to the end of March every year to see them bloom. In fact, I have started a tradition with my kids and every year we take a photo with them. I tell my kids this story and how we have a choice to focus on our fears or on God’s promises. I remind myself too. 

So what will you choose to focus on, the blossoms or the bees?

~ Rachel