We still have some snow, and have been able to continue walking in the bush behind our place. When we were out for a walk, I was interested in seeing the milkweed pods and seeds that were up in the field. The white snow made a great background for them, and I wanted to try out my new 50 mm with it. It’s still challenging to get a small depth of field, and keep enough in focus.
I think this is when I like the milkweed the most, even though when you see them in the field, they look dead and a bit ugly. It isn’t until you are up close that you see the details. I like the long, silky hair at the end of the seeds and the way it contrasts with the darker seeds.
Milkweed is the only food source for the monarch caterpillars. Many Native remedies used milkweed and the seed pods have also been collected to stuff pillows and jackets. It is considered a harmful weed because it grows so quickly, but I still find it fascinating, especially at this time of year.
Plants do not lose their usefulness when they get older, but produce their seeds so others can grow. As we get older, we don’t need to lose our usefulness either. God still wants us to serve Him (if we know Him, and are one of His). We can love others and teach and encourage them to know Christ, to love Him, and to serve Him.
Let them praise the name of the Lord,
for His name alone is exalted;
His majesty is above earth and heaven.
Psalm 148:13