"Consider" | Reflection by Katharine Luce

Consider: to think about something carefully, to regard in an attentive way, to gaze upon steadily or reflectively.

Are you a worrier? I certainly am. Sometimes it’s hard to recognize my worries outright, because my mind disguises them as “productive thoughts.” But when I’m awakened by these thoughts in the dead of night, perseverating about circumstances beyond my control, I am gently reminded that worry looms large. 

There are many things about which we could worry these days. This is a season of prolonged stress and uncertainty, upending our lives entirely. Yet Jesus offers an invitation for worriers to instead “Consider the birds…Consider the lilies,” (Matt. 6:26-29) as evidence of God’s providence and care for all creation. Is this a flippant response to our trials—a Biblical “Don’t worry, Be Happy”?

Last March, when worry was at its peak, our family took daily walks. Throughout the spring, summer, and into the glories of fall and darkness of winter, we began to recognize different species of trees and flowers. Each season revealed new ways to consider our own “lilies”—the forsythia, magnolia, azaleas; the elm, birch, maple, and beech trees. These walks, and attending to creation brought us deep joy, a balm for our grief and stress.

Let us return to Jesus’ invitation: “Consider the lilies.” Perhaps giving careful attention to our circumstances, in beholding the beauty and wonder of our surroundings, we shift out of a frenetic spiral of worry and truly begin to think productively—building our trust in God’s mercy and love. This Lenten season, may we cultivate opportunities to pause and consider—to center in God’s love and be strengthened by it, even amidst seasons of worry.

Words in the Wilderness - Walk through the season of Lent with Trinity, one word at a time. Every day (except on Sundays) we will post a photo and a brief refection written by someone in our Trinity community. https://www.trinitynewhaven.org/words-in-the-wilderness