Tonight's Word 🌱

"The flowers appear on the earth, the time of singing has come, and the voice of the turtledove is heard in our land."

-Song of Solomon 2:12

For the past few weeks, I have been pretty blessed by the sight of some beautifully coloured trees gracing the landscape. These bursts of colour have been appearing in spots that we would have otherwise seen completely green and not given a second look. You may have guessed it by now, but yes, I am referring to the beautiful poui trees. Out of curiosity, and my being an eternal student of nature, I have decided to take a closer look at these interesting trees.

Pink Poui Trees, located in Carsenfield. (Photo Credits to CJ Photography)

It belongs to the plant genus called “Tabebuia”. Did you know that the poui tree is native to South and Central America? I think we can all agree that the Poui Tree has become a well-loved tree in Trinidad and Tobago due to its beauty and vibrancy and has inspired many an artist and nature lover alike. Our neighbouring country, Venezuela, declares the ‘araguaney’ (what we call the yellow Poui tree) as their national tree, and El Salvador’s national tree is the ‘maquilishuat’ (Pink Poui). But what’s so special about this tree and what can we learn from it? Allow me to share a few other facts with you.

Savannah Pink. Pastel. (Credit to local TT artist - Jackie Hinkson)

Fact #1 – 

Contrary to the popular belief that the poui tree only flowers during exam time, did you know that the Poui Tree flowers usually in seasonal dry periods, which can be anywhere from January to May, and sometimes even August and September? They usually lose / drop all their leaves after a prolonged dry-spell of 2-4 weeks. The dryer the period, the more rewarding. Only when the leaves fall, flower buds can now form and wait for a shower of rain which causes them to blossom in abundance. This reminds me that oftentimes, when we go through dry spells, or things seem to be falling apart or we experience seasons of intense loss and grief, we view this period of time negatively. No-one enjoys loss and pain. However, like the poui tree, it can be a period of time that sheds old ways, and by God’s grace, trigger new growth, new possibilities, new levels of beauty, strength, wisdom and understanding that extends to and blesses all we come in contact with.

A yellow poui tree that I found growing on the median of the Churchill Roosevelt Highway

Fact #2 – 

The Poui Tree can be found with flowers that can be white, yellow, various shades of pink, and even purple! They bloom effortlessly, unselfishly, for the simple purpose of glorifying their Creator. In the process, they provide beauty, food for insects and birds, wood for construction, medicinal properties, and shade to anyone who needs it. As varied are their colours, so are their individual preferences for different soil types, as well as their size and height. God blessed the body of Christ with various talents and gifts to serve the mission of Christ and His church. Each one unique, with a different combination of gifts, experiences, talents, resources, etc. When poui trees are together in an area, their effect is jaw dropping. When they appear alone, they stand out. As Christians, we have been called and set apart like the poui tree. No matter where we are as Christians, be it working together on a mission or individually in our different spheres, let us allow the simple and pure beauty of Christ to shine out as we pursue His path, and draw all men to Him.

A macro shot of a yellow poui flower that I found along the trail to the Maracas Waterfall.

Fact #3 – 

The poui tree tends to appear as a regular tree when it is green and not in bloom. We pass by it, and don’t pay any attention to it. But when it blooms, we cannot help but stop and take notice. So too it is with us. As individuals, we sometimes go through seasons of struggle to find our purpose, what makes us unique and meaningful. We blend in, but what makes us stand out for Jesus? Sometimes, it takes certain experiences in God’s timing to help lift these leaves, and reveal our true potential. Regardless of the season, what we are called upon to do is work on our inner character and relationship with Him, do His will, and willingly serve in the mission of the gospel. Develop our talents and walk with God faithfully. These may sometimes seem too simple and low-key to us, but Christ doesn’t call for us to pursue worldly standards. Consider the lilies… Would you like to bloom like a poui one day? He gives us His pure beauty as we allow Him to work out His purpose within us. One day, our flowers will bloom. Just trust Him. Bloom where you planted.

Pink Poui Tree in San Fernando. (Photo credits to Rayeed Mohammed)

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, thank You for the many forms of beauty you have placed on this earthly home for us. You have thought through and put so many details in place for our blessing, enjoyment and for the thriving of this earth. Everything You have made is perfect, and despite the effects of sin on this planet, so many aspects of nature manage to continue to testify of your creative power. Thank You for the beauty of the poui trees, and the many lessons we can derive from them. Help us to trust You, that no matter what we go through in life, a greater purpose is being worked out for Your name's honour and glory. Bless us and keep us, and keep our eyes attentive and alert to your blessings. Help us to bloom where we are planted. In Jesus' name. Amen.

In searching for an appropriate song to reflect the message for this devotional, I came across this interesting song. I hope you are blessed. 🎧🙏🏼😊

Little Flowers [Heritage Singers]