Remember the little things- lifting the leaves–a Peace Plant and Basil miracles
Dear Friends in Christ
Christ is Risen!
My peace plant that one Parishioner gave to me earlier this year is thriving. I was reading about the care of Peace Lilies and it said in the blog that when they need some water they will tell you as their leaves will begin to droop. Do not overwater! Plants may speak to us but what about us speaking to the plants? Eyebrows were raised some years ago when a prominent person admitted to talking to plants. I did not think this was odd.
Whilst not indulging in philosophical debate or tiresome monologue with my plants, I often say “Christ is Risen!” to them and show them a little attention by making sure that they have light, warmth, sustenance and care. Love, it seems, lifts the leaves.
I am reminded that God created the plants by speaking and they came into being:
Genesis 1:11-13
11 Then God said, “Let the land produce vegetation: seed-bearing plants and trees on the land that bear fruit with seed in it, according to their various kinds.” And it was so. 12 The land produced vegetation: plants bearing seed according to their kinds and trees bearing fruit with seed in it according to their kinds. And God saw that it was good. 13 And there was evening, and there was morning—the third day.
We have been placed on this earth as stewards of God’s creation.
Our Lord Jesus Christ told us to behold the lilies of the field and that Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. (Matthew 6:28) Indeed!
If speaking kindly words to plants helps them to grow, how much more will speaking encouraging words to our fellow humans help them develop and “lift their leaves”. We humans, it seems, require much the same as plants: love, warmth, sustenance, light and care.
I also want to share with you the little miracle that a parishioner witnessed back in 2013 when he transferred his Basil to Holy Water!
Glory to God
Love and prayers
Eν Χριστώ
Father Pustinnyk
ORTHODOX CHRISTIAN FAITH AND LIFE 
A parishioner brought a Peace Lily plant to place in front of the altar.
When the weather grew cold, I brought the plant home from the church to care for it.
I was surprised to see the plant drooping its leaves when it needed water, as you describe in this lovely and sensitive post.
I talk to my plants too. They are all different, and have different levels of care.
They are constant reminders of the beauty of God’s creation.
Thanks for posting.🌷
LikeLiked by 1 person
Another little miracle was that the flat where the Basil plant is featured was blessed in 2013 for a loyal server of our Church. After he left, two years later in 2015 another person came to our city and asked for his flat to be blessed. He too became a loyal server for our Orthodox Community. I thought to myself “I have blessed this flat before !” I had, it was the same flat! There is no such thing as coincidence, only Divine providence. It certainly was a blessed place!
LikeLiked by 2 people