An Ode to Indoor Plants
by Michelle Stinson
Thanks be to God,
the Father Almighty,
the Creator of heaven and earth,
who delighted in making
the families of plants
who call our homes
their home.
For my potted pothos plant,
whose tenacity in adversity
astounds me still.
Its severed vine
when placed in water
brings forth roots to start anew.
For my monstrous monstera,
whose growthy gratitude
warms my heart.
Once discarded,
now placed in a new home,
flourishes with loving care.
For my flying-saucer friendship plant,
originally gifted
now generously giving.
Tiny new sprouts,
shooting up from the soil,
become gifts to give away.
For my over-wintering trumpet vine,
productive in its waiting
to return to summer soil.
All winter long,
its tendrils stretch and grow,
reaching ever for the sun.
For each of our plants
and the graces they display,
we offer a prayer of thanks
to the God who
—like the stars— (Ps 147:4)
must know them all
by name.
Amen.
For the plant curious among us, the pothos and monstera are both part of the Araceae family, the friendship plant belongs to the Urticaceae family, and trumpet vines reside in the Bignoniaceae family.
Michelle Stinson is currently delighting in a season of writing, teaching, and getting her hands in the dirt. She regularly speaks and writes on food, hospitality, land care, and the Psalms. She is a Visiting Scholar in Old Testament (Denver Seminary) and a newly certified CSU Colorado Gardener.
