“God likes toys.” The phrase came to mind as I scrolled through the images. A little time on my hands had given me the opportunity to search for pictures of my favorite plants, and this is a sort of “active meditation” that I enjoy. The eyes thus entertained, the mind is free to wander at its own pace, and will occasionally trip over a box containing a truth.

The Things that may be known about God can be clearly seen in the things He has created, we are told, and I believe this is so. To observe that God is brilliant or powerful or creative is to damn with faint praise… But it is another of the attributes of divinity that is less publicized. He has fun.

What else can be the reason for flowers whose petals are striped or spotted outlandishly? For petals painted like grandad’s loud plaid pants, or twisted or curled like a New Year’s Eve noisemaker? Because it is fun. It shows a sense of playfulness that belies the image of the stern and sour whip cracker.

Love is lavish in all its expressions, and a little time spent in the greenhouse or garden will attest to the fact that He also likes to see us amused and fascinated. Isn’t that what toys are for? God likes toys, and he has made enough for us all.