This is the first of a two-part meditation on favorite house plants. The focus today is the Peace Lily.

            We have lots of Peace Lilies around our church building, and I have several in my house. A quick google search let me know that they are not true lilies even though they bear that name. They have adapted themselves to many conditions and can grow almost anywhere in the world.

            Some people like the plant’s white flower, which is always hope-filled and fresh. For me, it’s their easy-to-take-care-of nature that is attractive. The extensive green leaves always seem to be fresh and create a great background.

            These leaves can filter the air and actually purify it. Many know that when these plants need water, they let that be known by drooping their leaves. But there is a danger there. I have been told by a horticulturalist that each time the leaves droop, the plant loses some of its strength and needs time to regain its health.

            I’m not sure why these plants are called “peace” lilies, but they do remind me of the challenges of peace. Like this house plant, peace can easily be taken for granted. But it can struggle for health even before we know it is suffering. And although peace can purify the world, it needs to be tended to as well.

“And suddenly there was a multitude of the heavenly host with the angel,

praising God and saying:

‘Glory to God in the highest

and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.’”

Luke 2:13-14