The Woodland Trillium
by
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"For the truth about God is known to them instinctively, God has put this knowledge in their hearts. Since earliest times men have seen the earth and sky and all God made, and have known of his existence and great eternal power."
Romans 1:19-20
It is amazing that God constantly uses many things around us to reveal himself to us, so it is with the woodland trillium. God used this flower to reveal to one of his children the uniqueness of Christianity s most controversial doctrines: the trinity.
BOTANICAL INFORMATION ON THE WOODLAND TRILLIUM (and more)
When I was a student at Columbia University, I took a one year course in botany. Although I found some aspects of the course boring in detail, I did appreciate learning about the many oddities in God s botanical garden. The "puff-ball" was my favorite. There was a hugh one in the lab and the students were told, "Please do not touch the puff ball!" The curiosity that was aroused was as intent for my Ivy League collegues as for kindergarden pupils. Each time a student passed by the "puff-ball" a "volcanic eruption" of spores was sent into the air.
The "woodland" trillium is a worthy subject of botanical study. You may look up pictures and information that is available in many books on wild flowers in the library, or make a woodland trek in search of one on a nice spring day.
The one pictured on the cover of this book was photographed by me in the spring of 1999. It was in the small woods behind our Vermont summer home. I had not seen one since my neighbor had pointed the trillium out to me many years ago. It was as if it was part of God s plan for this book and he had put it there. Days went by before I photographed it and I believe now that God was prompting me to do so.
There are about sixty species of trilliums and of course, all parts are in threes. The one pictured is a beautiful red trillium or "trillium erectum". It is found in the rich woodlands of Vermont, Quebec and down the east coast, especially in the mountain areas. It is on a short stalk and many grow as high as 16 inches. It will be found from April to June, depending on the arrival of Spring. Some call this red trillium "wakerobin" as it signals the arrival of Spring, but is not as well known as our feathered herald of Spring.
If you find one you will discover that the red trillium does not have a pleasant scent. I m not sure what determines this, but I m sure a good botanist would be able to comment on this aspect. (Perhaps the scent deters some type of predator.)
Finally, there is another interesting aspect of this amazing flower. It is in the lily family. Could Jesus have been thinking of the trillium when he said... to consider the lilies of the field. and how God created the beautiful flower? My wife says that I m stretching it too much because the lily is more regal than the trillium. After studying the trillium, I at least want equal time. Certainly the appearance of King Solomon (who is mentioned in the same passage in Matthew 6:25-34) was regal and finding a more regal comparison in a commonplace flower is one of Jesus teaching gems. Of course, the theme of the scripture passage is Jesus teaching on worry. If God cares so wonderfully for flowers, won t he surely take care of you?
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About the Book
The Woodland Trillium tells the story of a wildflower found in Vermont, Quebec and the U.S. Northeast coasts which clearly shows how God uses his creation to illustrate one of his attributes: the Trinity. It tells how God revealed to the author how significant the number three would be in the events occurring in his life.
About the Author
John Kennedy is a retired schoolteacher who actively served the Lord as a lay preacher, Sunday school teacher, Sunday school superintendent, Deacon and exhorter of God s Word.
He holds degrees from Columbia University, Rutgers University and NYU. He taught for thirty years in the NYC School System, as well as being active in his local church.
He enjoys reading statistics, walking, meeting people and learning about them, and exhorting his fellow brothers and sisters. He is married and has two grown children.