OPINION: ALFORD: Do you have a favorite flower? How about a favorite flour?

Jun. 16—Bubba and his wife had gone to one of those marriage retreats that have become so popular in recent years. You know, those events that bring together groups of couples to strengthen their marriages.

One of the speakers said many husbands have no idea what his wife's favorite flower is.

"I know yours," Bubba whispered to his wife. "It's self-rising, ain't it?"

Flowers certainly do beautify this old world. I love them all — the daffodils and tulips of spring, the daisies and black-eyed Susans that come a little later, the goldenrods of fall and every blossom and bloom in between.

The Bible talks about a good many flowers, including rose of Sharon, lily of the valley and myrtle. Those flowers, as we know them today, are certainly among the most beautiful in the world.

God created those beautiful flowers, in all their splendor, and He supplies the water and nutrients they need to flourish. And, in His Word, He tells us He will do the same for us.

"Consider the lilies how they grow; they toil not; they spin not; and yet I say unto you that Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. If God then so clothe the grass, which is today in the field and tomorrow is cast into the oven, how much more will He clothe you?" (Luke 12:27-28)

What's really cool about flowers is that they bloom where they're planted. If it's a well-tended garden in the backyard, flowers will bloom there. If it's a crack in a sidewalk where a dandelion might take root, you can expect a beautiful yellow bloom.

We should be like the flowers and bloom wherever we're planted, wherever we happen to be, regardless of our circumstances. We should let our light shine before men so that they can see our good works and glorify our Father in Heaven.

All that said, I also have to admit, I'm a huge fan of self-rising flour as well. There's not much prettier than those homemade, golden-brown cathead biscuits I grew up on.

I can certainly understand why Bubba might think his wife's favorite flour is self-rising.

___

Reach Roger Alford at 502-514-6857 or [email protected].