This is the thirteenth in a 14-week devotion series on the theme of resting, originally written for the Bible Society Australia. Join us as we visit texts that remind us of God’s character. As we rest in the truths of who he is, what he has done, what he promises to continue to provide, and the certainty of our hope, we will find rest and strength for our souls.
“You cause the grass to grow for the livestock and plants for man to cultivate that he may bring forth food from the earth. And wine to gladden the heart of man, oil to make his face shine. And bread to strengthen man’s heart.”
“O Lord, how manifold are your works! In wisdom you have made them all.”
Psalm 104:14, 15, 24
When you hear the word pumpkin, what do you think of? Soup? Pie? The colour orange? Do you smell pumpkin cooking? With onion and garlic?
During the pandemic, I visited our local fruit and veggie shop and noticed—really noticed—the pumpkins. Lots of pumpkins. Some were tiny, round and orange, others were striped green and white, still others plain or light brown, coming in all shapes and sizes. I was dazzled.
I filled my bag with a half dozen pumpkins, all different, and told the woman who runs the shop that this was my “bunch of flowers for the week”. She laughed and responded that at least I could then cook them and eat them! Three weeks later, though, they continue to adorn our table. They’re too beautiful to eat—yet.
These pumpkins have made me think about how creative our creator God is. He could have been a utilitarian, no-frills kind of maker. When he made the seed-bearing plants, he could have made them all, say, white, the same shape and size. But God used all the colours in the paint box, vibrant and rich in hue and texture and variety. He could have simply made one type of pumpkin, but instead, the Creator seriously mixed it up!
During this time of pandemic, I have found my world has become greyer and colder and bleaker. So, when I was simply shopping, God gave me this glorious burst of orange. These pumpkins have made me smile.
This was a moment of grace, during an ordinary routine, given to me by our creator God. Pumpkins had given me a new song to sing. In His kindness and love he has given me a vegetable that is both edible and happy. Soon, I will put this ‘bouquet’ of pumpkins in the oven, pour olive oil over them, add some onion and garlic, and make soup—rich, thick, orangey pumpkin soup. It’ll smell of warmth and feed my family with earthy goodness. Until then, I’ll keep singing and enjoying their lumpy look and thanking our Creative God. What a glorious truth to rest in!
“O Lord, how manifold are your works! In wisdom you have made them all . . .
When you open your hand, they are filled with good things.
I will sing to the Lord as long as I live;
I will sing praise to my God while I have being.” Amen.
Psalm 104:24,28,33
