I love Springtime! However, like many, I suffer at the hands of pollen because of seasonal allergies. I visualize the micro-size grains floating around with hands reaching out to grab a hold of my eyes and lungs. Sometimes it is difficult to find relief from the irritation. When I did a search about pollen I discovered that the pollen of each plant or species is different – making a different “fingerprint” and creating a unique forensic signature. Pollen can stay in clothing and hair even after washing. Forensic Palynology (act of using pollen to link persons and objects to a specific location) has been used to track movement of bodies to put a person at a crime scene.
To a tree or a flowering plant, pollen is necessary for life. We have cross-pollination in flowers and trees because of pollen. Bee pollen can provide many health benefits to humans.  So, while a source of seasonal misery for some, pollen certainly has life-giving and health benefits.
There is a place in Bluffton that I visit this time of year to pick daffodils. There is row after row of the happy yellow blooms just waiting to be picked and enjoyed in homes. Daffodils spread by producing seed and pollen. In addition, the bulb can divide and clone itself after a few years.
When I visit the daffodil farm, I find myself smiling and thinking of the verse from Matthew 6:28 that says, “Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin.” The daffodils are there showing off their cheerful shades of yellow and waiting to be picked and enjoyed by the hundreds of visitors. They do not have to do a thing to be beautifully arrayed in those rows of blooms. They are just there! Continuing to read Chapter 6 of Matthew, in verse 34 you will find: “Therefore, do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.” A true statement for sure.
It is a daily discipline to think about the day and not dwell on the trouble that lies in tomorrow, isn’t it? All the things to do for the events or appointments that are on the calendar. How will it all get done? Thank God for friends who remind me of this and lift me up in prayer when I worry about the “this or thats” coming up in one of my tomorrows.
Thank God for the pollen and the wonderful things it does for us! Isn’t it beautiful to think of our Father in Heaven creating that for our benefit? While the seasonal misery of pollen may bother you too, it’s temporary, just like the troubles we face. Friends, don’t worry about tomorrow – it will bring it’s own pollen and misery in the form of health or financial crisis, family issues, unemployment and other things. But often with that, will rise a lovely and cheerful bloom that you might not have expected.
Is there someone you can uphold in prayer right now who is worrying about tomorrow? I encourage you to pray for them, call them, send a card or note and let them know you care. Ask God to show you how to reflect Him to that person. He will!
Blessings and love,
Kat Robinson