Have you ever considered what you would have if you didn’t own a thing? Look at the beauty of nature around us; only God could paint such a glorious scene. Very soon our southern Indiana hills will explode in the colors of spring. The soft white of the Dogwood blossom combined with the delicate purple of the Red Bud will add a splash of life to the barren landscape. No artist can duplicate the grandeur of that which belongs to each of us in the spring of the year. Or spend time with friends and feel the warmth of their loyalty or the joy of their smiles. No amount of money could buy something so valuable.
Gaze into the eyes of a small child and watch them dance with the wonder of life all around them and remember that each day of life is precious. Hug your family and remember they are more precious than gold. Art Buchwald was right when he wrote, “The best things in life aren’t things.” Indeed, the best things in life are gifts from God!
And speaking of dogwood blooms, I’m always reminded of the folk tale that surrounds this gnarled little tree. Legend has it that the dogwood was once strong and straight, and its timber was used for the cross of Jesus. Following Christ’s death, however, the dogwood was so ashamed that God made it spindly and crooked, so that it could never again be used for such a dishonorable purpose.
Of course, the legend is not true, but the story of the crucifixion is seen in each blossom. Four white petals form a cross with a notch in each petal edge like a nail print. Each indentation contains a reddish-brown spot as if to mark Christ’s blood from his head, hands and feet. And in the center of the blossom one can see what appears to be the crown of thorns. But the story doesn’t end there. Because the blossom itself is alive, it reminds us of Christ’s resurrection.
Even in the humble dogwood we discover anew the greatest story ever told! It’s true – the best things in life aren’t things.
