Worship in the Garden (Makaya Parris)

My favorite flower is the hibiscus. I love it so much that I even have a few tattooed on me. There’s something deeply moving about the delicate beauty of a flower—and knowing that it was created by the very hand of God. It didn’t just appear by chance. It originated from the Creator of the universe.

Tending to flowers brings me so much peace. Watering them, making sure they get enough sun, nurturing them—it all reminds me of how God nurtures us. I believe He allows us to see His fingerprints in nature, using creation as a quiet reflection of our own lives. The care we give to plants is a small reflection of the care He gives to us.

This morning, I found so much joy in simply watering my flowers and listening to the birds sing. A friend recently posted a video of a bird splashing in a bird bath, and she captioned it: “There’s beauty in the mundane.” That spoke deeply to me.

I don’t know about you, but I sometimes struggle with the fear of missing out. I have such a beautiful life—one I’m incredibly thankful for—but I often feel like I should be doing more, chasing the next thing, achieving every ounce of potential within me. And while ambition isn’t bad, sometimes the holiest thing we can do is be still.

And hear me—I’m preaching to myself here. Be still. It’s not always easy. But it’s a command from God:

“Be still, and know that I am God.” — Psalm 46:10

Stillness isn’t emptiness. It’s worship. When we pause to truly take in the world around us—to hear the birds, feel the breeze, admire the flowers—we’re not missing out. We’re soaking in the presence of God. Creation itself is an invitation to worship.

Nature takes care of itself. The seasons change. Flowers bloom. Birds fly. All without worry. That alone is a reminder: Why do we worry when God has already set things into motion?

Yes, I believe in faith in action. But sometimes—just like with the growth of a garden—God is moving, even when we can’t see it.

So may we pause. May we look around and remember we’re not behind, we’re not too late, and we’re not forgotten. May we find joy in the beauty of creation, the peace of His presence, and the quiet worship that comes when we’re still enough to notice His hand at work.

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My name is Makaya Parris—a daughter of the King, wife to my best friend, and dog mom to three sweet pups. I serve as a school counselor in rural Tennessee, where I’m passionate about supporting students and families through every season of life. I love cooking, hiking, traveling, collecting seashells, and all things Disney. Writing has always been a quiet passion of mine—a way to process, reflect, and share God’s faithfulness.

My life is living proof that He brings beauty from ashes—time and time again. That truth has become my banner, and I carry it into every space I step into. This is my very first published blog post, and I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunity to share what God has placed on my heart through Through the Seasons.