Buzzing Bumblebees!

Earlier this month of May, I was squeezed in between the house and the backside of our Rhododendron! Once again, I was trying to capture that “perfect picture” of this beloved flowering plant in full bloom! I have been all around this towering plant of spectacular spring flowers doing the same thing for thirty-four years. I can honestly say that I have yet to get that picture that truly reflects the stunning colors and breathtaking beauty of this standout example of God’s creative work!

Our Beloved Rhododendron!

As I was clicking off one pic after another, that’s when I heard them. The bumblebees were busily buzzing from one petal to another, undeterred by my presence. I have been stung by honeybees, hornets, wasps, and yellow jackets, on occasion. Yet, I am fearless around these buzzing pollinators and thankful for all they do within our ecosystem. I am delighted to see them moving with purpose among several flowering plants throughout our property.

The bumblebee has mistakenly been the brunt of jokes because of bad research. There is a myth about the clunky and lumbering design of this buzzing pollinator (like miniature transport cargo planes!). Some have concluded that bumblebees shouldn’t be able to fly, but they just don’t know it! 😊

Image credit: adobestock.com

The 1930’s research was proven to be inaccurate in its assessment concerning a bumblebee’s “fitness for flight!” The failure was in using conventual fixed-wing technology because bumblebees intensely rotate their wings in a figure eight motion that provides powerful lifting and almost tornadic vortices. So, they may look clunky, but they can fly!!

I do think there are many lessons to be drawn from these incredible and yes, noisy, and furry-like bumblebees. It is fascinating to watch them tirelessly grab the anthers or petals as they tighten their flight muscles to maximize such a vibration that pollen shakes out of the flower. This has been compared to a tuning fork-like vibration that is called sonication.

This process is unique and efficient. The blasting effect of scattering pollen, in this way, not only pollinates surrounding flowers, but also captures a considerable and transportable supply for the bumblebee’s sac. From this blog’s title, you would expect me to conclude that the bumblebee must have a divine design that wonderfully serves its purpose!

As with many bees, we see so many applications that can be drawn from these special pollinators. They teach us the value of demanding work. You would never question the zeal of a bumblebee if you stood (with camera in hand!) and watched them move from flower to flower. This level of industriousness must be where we get the slogan, “Busy as a bee!”

 Bumblebees seem to work well in concert with other bumblebees. I was up close watching them and observed that there were a dozen or so teaming up to work on our Rhododendron that day. They were unified, humble, and generous in their commitment to deep community. The partnership in pollinating reminded me of Illinois farmers coming together, back in the day, to help their neighbors during harvest time!

While the bumblebee isn’t specifically mentioned in the Bible like the honeybee, the lessons we gain from them are numerous and insightful for Christian living. Even though the gentle bumblebee isn’t likely to sting you unless overtly challenged, the stinger itself could be a representation of God’s judgment and justice.

When the Apostle Paul witnessed to the Athenians of his day, he referenced their monument to “The God Nobody Knows.” To introduce them to this God, he explained, “God doesn’t play hide-and-seek with us. He’s not remote; He’s near…The unknown is now known, and He’s calling for a radical life-change. He has set a day when the entire human race will be judged, and everything set right. And He has already appointed the judge, confirming Him before everyone by raising Him from the dead!” (Acts 17:30-31, The Message).

During a Papal address in November of 1948, Pope Pius XII succinctly summarized the lesson from bees when he said, “In a word, if [mankind] learned to do by intelligence and wisdom, what bees do by instinct, how much better the world would be!” He, who has ears to hear (the buzzing!), let him hear and learn!

 Links: More Rhododendron  Rhododendron 2

Mike Keppler, retired pastor,
active churchman and
doting grandparent.
Contact: drmjkeppler@gmail.com
©2018-2026 All rights reserved.
Serve by Design. mjkministries.com

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