Seek: In the Tulip Fields
And if God cares so wonderfully for wildflowers that are here today and thrown into the fire tomorrow, he will certainly care for you…
Matthew 6:30 NLT
Wooden Shoe Tulip Farm, Woodburn, Oregon
Living in the Pacific Northwest affords me the special opportunity to see the tulips blossom each spring. From the Skagit Valley in Washington down to Woodburn, Oregon we have enjoyed them every year without fail. Peak bloom is usually somewhere in April, depending on the weather. If you ever get to go, take my advice and wear a good pair of rainboots because it will almost certainly be a muddy mess out there.
But, trudging through the muddy fields is well worth it. You’re rewarded with row upon row upon row of more tulips than you can imagine in more colors than you ever knew tulips came in. Many of the farms also have adorable farmstands or shops onsite so you can get your fill of treats while you’re there, purchase cut stems to take home, or order bulbs for the fall.
I’ve so loved walking through the twisting rows of fields. Often the bulbs are planted in intricate patterns or in rows of alternating colors. I love trying to spot tulips of different colors in the “wrong” field or with unique variations. It’s honestly like walking through a movie. Many of the fields have events, classes, and master gardners that you can talk to and learn more about the flowers.
Walking through the fields and learning about tulips over the last few years, the thing that caught me the most was that at most of these farms all the tulip bulbs are harvested in the summer and the fields are completely replanted in the fall. Gardeners spend the summer planning, drawing out, deciding where everything will go. When the time is right, they spend days and days replanting in the fall. And then, they wait.
Come spring, the bulbs will inevitably bloom. Not on any specific schedule, but on their own time, when the conditions are perfect. They bloom, put on a show for a month or so, and then are cut down. I just can’t help but reflect on how much care goes into these fragile, beautiful flowers. It’s just like our Father in heaven caring for us. For a lifetime he is preparing the way for us, nurturing us, removing obstacles that may get in our way. For a few years on this earth we get to bloom and soak in the sun.
God loves you so much more than the farmers care for their flowers. He wants for us to live an abundant life, to bloom and grow, and to do so brightly so others may know He made us. Seek out those moments where the sun is shining on you, and bloom proudly so that He may be glorified. You just may brighten someone’s day.
May you Seek + Sojourn more,
Teddi Jo
