Love Many Things: A Reflection on Gratitude and Abundance
- BE
- Jun 6, 2021
- 5 min read
“It is good to love many things, for therein lies the true strength, and whosoever loves much performs much and can accomplish much, and what is done in love is well done.” Vincent van Gogh
Miracles in Everyday Life
I like to see miracles in everyday life; I’ve mentioned that in some posts already. This spring, especially back in 2021, I called the season ABUNDANCE! Everything was growing and blooming for almost a month. The herbs and even the humble weeds with healing properties looked juicy, healthy, and pretty. There was plenty of everything, everywhere.
Love Many Things
I’ve always enjoyed noticing the beauty even in the smallest plants, but that spring felt different. Maybe with age and the current situation, I have learned to appreciate every moment of every day more deeply. I love to bike a lot, and I pray for “many things.” I admire people’s gardens - their creativity, order, and the “many things” God has entrusted to them. I love working in my own garden, admiring and being grateful for every flower and vegetable.
A Biblical Reminder: The Beauty of God’s Gifts
In the Bible, nature often reflects God’s generosity and grace. Psalm 65:9-13, for example, reminds us:
“You visit the earth and water it abundantly… You crown the year with Your goodness, and Your paths drip with abundance.”
This is a reminder that everything that grows around us is an invitation to recognize His abundant love.
When we love many things - our gardens, our communities, our families - we reflect God’s generosity in the world.
Scripture teaches us also to treasure the many blessings that fill our days. As St. Paul wrote:
“Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable - if anything is excellent or praiseworthy - think about such things.” Philippians 4:8
It’s a reminder to notice, appreciate, and love many things that God has given us. Every small miracle - from the tiniest bloom to a well-tended garden - reflects His generosity and care.
Love Many Things: A Reflection on Abundance and the Spiritual Meaning of Lilac
Clusters of lilac flowers - tiny yet abundant - capture the miracle of loving “many things” in a single glance. Each blossom is delicate and fleeting, yet together they form a lush bouquet that overflows with fragrance, grace, and hope.
Like Vincent van Gogh’s words:
“It is good to love many things, for therein lies the true strength…”
These small blooms remind me that strength and beauty lie in abundance, in the joyful embrace of all the blessings we’ve been given. Every tiny flower is a testament to the patient work of God’s hand, a living symbol of how even the smallest acts of love, gathered together, can transform a garden or a life into something truly extraordinary.
🌸 P.S. Speaking of abundance, let’s raise a cup of lilac tea - preferably a healthy, floral blend - here’s your invitation! Don’t worry, it’s caffeine-free and infused with the laughter and fragrance of springtime.
Lilac tea is known to aid digestion, ease headaches, and bring a calming effect on the nerves - like a little miracle in a teacup! Let’s toast to life’s small blessings, one sip at a time.
Lilac: A Symbol of Renewal and Love
Lilac is a beautiful addition to any wedding decor, whether as the main flower or as a charming filler for centrepieces, bouquets, or church arrangements. Whether you choose white or purple, its fragrance is truly enchanting, like an incense offering, sweetening the air and filling hearts with hope. 🌸
Spiritual Symbolism of Lilac:
🌸Renewal and Rebirth: Lilacs bloom early in the season, symbolizing new beginnings - perfect for a wedding day filled with hope and grace.
🌸Humility and Devotion: In medieval monastery gardens, lilacs reminded the monks of humility and devotion to God.
🌸Abundance of Blessings: The clusters of small blossoms represent the countless blessings God bestows upon us, echoing the abundance of His love.
As a floral designer, I’ve incorporated lilacs into many wedding arrangements - and I’ve included the above photos of some of my favourite designs to inspire you as you plan your own special day. From bridal bouquets to ceremony arches, lilac’s delicate beauty adds a timeless and spiritual touch to any celebration. Why?
Some Practical Tips for Couples: Using Lilacs in Your Wedding
Lilacs are a beautiful, fragrant choice for weddings, symbolizing first love, purity, and new beginnings. Their delicate clusters and sweet scent make them especially romantic for spring and early summer celebrations. Here’s an enriched, practical guide to help you use them effectively.
Lilac Bouquets & Bridal Party Flowers
Classic Pairings: Combine lilacs with roses, peonies, or ranunculus for a lush, romantic look. The soft purple tones of lilac pair beautifully with blush, cream, white, or pale blue flowers.
Complementary Greenery: Add eucalyptus, olive branches, or ferns for texture and to balance the fluffy lilac clusters.
Modern Twists: Try pairing lilac with dahlias and garden roses for a vintage feel, or with anemones and hellebores for a more whimsical, wildflower aesthetic.
Pro Tip: Lilacs can wilt faster than other flowers. Ask your florist to use hydrated floral foam or water tubes in bouquets. Consider a mixed bouquet where lilacs act as an accent rather than the main flower if longevity is a concern.
Centrepieces & Table Arrangements
Filler Flower Strategy: Use lilac as a fragrant filler to add volume, softness, and scent to larger arrangements. They work wonderfully in low, lush centrepieces or tall, cascading designs.
Container Ideas: Place them in vintage glass vases, mason jars, or rustic wooden boxes for a charming garden feel. Floating lilac blooms in shallow bowls also create an elegant, minimalist look.
Scent Layering: Since lilacs are highly fragrant, space out heavily scented arrangements so they don’t overwhelm guests. Pair with unscented candles or subtle essential oils.
Seasonal & Availability Notes
Lilacs typically bloom from late April to early June (Northern Hemisphere), with peak season in May.
For destination or off-season weddings, consider forced lilacs (available from some high-end florists) or high-quality silk replicas that now look remarkably realistic.
Work with your florist at least 6–8 months in advance during peak lilac season, as supply can be limited in certain regions.
Fragrance & Atmosphere Tips
Lilac’s sweet, slightly honeyed scent is naturally calming and uplifting - perfect for creating a romantic, welcoming atmosphere.
Strategic Placement: Use them near guest seating areas, the ceremony arch, or sweetheart table, where their fragrance can be best enjoyed without being overpowering.
Sensory Experience: Consider lilac-scented favours (candles, soaps, or sachets) to extend the experience beyond the day.
Additional Creative Uses
Ceremony Elements: Lilac-adorned arches, aisle markers, or a floral backdrop.
Personal Details: Groom’s boutonnière with a single lilac cluster, hair combs or crowns for bridesmaids, or even petal scatters for the flower girl.
Colour Variations: Choose from classic purple, white, pale pink, or deeper magenta lilacs to match your wedding palette.
Budget & Practical Advice:
Lilacs are more affordable during peak season but can be pricey off-season.
Mix fresh lilacs with longer-lasting flowers (roses, carnations, baby’s breath) to control costs while maximizing impact.
Always do a test arrangement or ask for sample photos from your florist.
You can find more wedding advice here:
What Are Your Miracles Today?
🌸What are your miracles today?
🌸Did you notice the little blessings that come from God’s unconditional love?
🌸What are the “many things” you love?
Pause, reflect, and give thanks for each one.
🌸 Take a moment today to pause, look around, and thank God for the many things that bless your life. Let gratitude blossom in your heart.
Read about some here:
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