Winter is Orchid Time

“As a plant that grows and rests on its host so I depend on You, my God, Creator and host of the planet earth, for all of my life’s needs.”

c.e. hollis

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Orchids are a winter flower. When the days are overcast, snow blown and cold here it is spring in the southern hemisphere and the orchids are blooming. The tree bark that gives them a hanging on place where frequent short-lived rainfalls soak their exposed roots, gives them all the nourishment they need.

The orchid is not a parasite plant like ivys and mistletoe that can overwhelm and kill a tree. They take their own food and water and sunlight and give back sturdy blooms that can last two months before they fade. I love the centers of the blooms that look like little angels with spread wings or like little girls in Sunday dresses.

I have never seen orchids growing in the wild woods. All mine come from store or flower shops and I cannot say as I have ever seen one outside an orchid show or as a decoration in a home or office building.

These plants are dependent on the host tree for a stable place to live. They must be up where rain can freshen them and where their the roots can dry. They must have sunlight––but also shade. They use those roots too to glue themselves in the crevices of tree bark. They hold tight never loosening their grip, and in such a trust I hope to live in this world dependent and holding to God as my stabilizer. I need protection of His strength and the shade of His canopy over me. I need the life He gives to hold onto.

Make me an orchid, Lord, in your garden.