The Family Rhododendron

More than thirty-three years ago, we moved our family to central Illinois and bought our second home. This modest ranch-style house is situated on a half-acre corner lot and has five mature trees, numerous shrubs and flowering bushes that serve as habitat attracting a variety of birds and small animals. One of the most prized of our collection is the stately Rhododendron that always has a bird nest or two each season. If I get too close to the bush during spring cleanup, I hear squawking that warns me that anxious mother birds are protecting baby hatchlings!

May Celebration Time!

Every May this native Rhododendron puts on a magnificent display of flowering beauty. The variety of our Rhododendron has purple flowers that attract early pollinators to the trumpet-shaped flowers with their brilliant petals and multiple stamens in perfect symmetry.. There are times when I’d like to trim and prune this large plant back. But then, I think about how often we have used the Rhododendron as a background for so many spring photographs!

The etymology of the name, Rhododendron is from the Latin for “rose tree.” Ferns and Petals has suggested that the plant is a symbol of “riches and prosperity and of kissing your dreams with the energy of unwavering belief and faith.” When I read that last phrase about “kissing your dreams,” I immediately thought about why the vibrant May blooms are such a blessing. For three decades, our old Rhododendron has served us well for making precious memories!

Congratulations, Chloe!

Youth naturally dream big dreams of what they hope to become and do with their lives. I recently read a good bit of advice for any of us who hope to leave our mark on this world for good and for God. James Clear is the author of the widely read, Atomic Habits. Clear offered this bit of wisdom in a blog article, “People are drawn to where it is crowded. Look for the quiet spaces inside your areas of interest. Excellence often hides on the edges.” (3-2-1 Thursday, 5-22-25),

This week I rediscovered some inspiration in one of my “quiet spaces.” I was standing in front of “The Family Rhododendron,” and thinking about how it continues to be the place where “dreams are kissed” and “energized with faith!” What event, setting or tradition takes you back in time? What triggers a memory or brings a smile or a tear to your eye every time you remember that thing?

Creation of the natural world and humanity is a beautiful reminder that God is the artist of His handiwork. The Scriptures remind us of His Sovereignty, “The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it. The world and all its people belong to Him.” (Psalm 24:1, NLT). Eugene Peterson describes it as “God-Craft,” and declares that it is on display everywhere we look! (Psalm 19, The Message).

When was the last time you stood before “God-Craft” as seen in a beautiful flower? Were you mesmerized by its indescribable and captivating beauty? Did you realize that there is a powerful revelatory value in creation? Bible scholars call this general revelation. God not only inspires us through creation, but He also reveals to us the truth about His existence and attributes. There is much to be learned about God from the beauty, complexity, and perfect design of His creation.

The Apostle Paul valued this aspect of God’s revelation for its undeniable clarity. He challenged anyone who attempted to suppress the truth about the one true God. And to those considering idolatry or atheism, Paul offered this compelling warning, “Through everything God made, they can clearly see God’s invisible qualities – His eternal power and divine nature. So, they have no excuse for not knowing God.” (Romans 1:20, NLT).

Let’s takes time this summer to celebrate and learn more about God, the eternal memory maker. He loves us and wants a deeper, life-changing relationship with all His people.

Mike Keppler, retired pastor,
active churchman and
doting grandparent.
Contact: drmjkeppler@gmail.com
©2018-2025 All rights reserved.
Serve by Design. mjkministries.com