King Tut Grass

Year 5- Day 198: Today, I am grateful for King Tut grass.

A few years ago, I discovered "King Tut Grass". I purchased some late in the spring season on sale. I liked the spikiness. It would add height to the pots. By the 4th of July, it had one my heart.

The next year, it was gone early in the season. Randy knew how much it made me smile and searched all over until we found it. Now, it is the first purchase of the season.

This picture doesn't do it justice, but it was an easy image to grab from my phone. It looks so "Seussical" with it's tall stalks and poofs that look like fireworks. It reminds me of the 4th of July all summer long.

It is on my list of "once a year" things. It is observed with gratitude for the entire summer season. I'm always a bit sad when the cold sets in and it can no longer flourish.

The plant name reminds me of the Steve Martin's "King Tut" a goofy song that was a big hit in my teen years. (Yes. Earworm is singing "King Tut" this morning. )

It is a simple, summer delight that only requires soil, water and light.

Yet God has made everything beautiful for its own time. He has planted eternity in the human heart, but even so, people cannot see the whole scope of God’s work from beginning to end. -Ecclesiastes 3:11

Nature is a wonder. This scripture acknowledges that truth. Everything is beautiful in it's time.

Then, it unveils a mystery. Just at God created nature to unfold in his time, so has he planted the longing for Him in the soul of humans. "He planted eternity in the human heart." It is a longing to know Him and to be with Him. We cannot always see or understand his ways, because we don't see the big picture. Yet, we can know and trust His heart.

We can choose to slow down. We can take notice of the glory in simple grasses. We can look to the ancient redwood trees and know that he keeps his own clock. We can acknowledge and savor that he planted eternity in our hearts. The promise of forever with Him for the ones who choose him back.

Plant the truth. Water often. Seek and savor His light. Be a light.

In other words: "Love me. Love each other."

I look at my King Tut grass and imagine God raising his hand to add a touch of whimsy to the world. He gives us what is necessary. Then, he surprises us with beauty, wonder and things that delight.

Today, I am grateful for King Tut grass.