Shy plant, the sparrow and the lily of the field

I first encountered shy plant in the compound of our rich neighbour when I was still a little boy. Every little touch would make the plant bow down in contrite manner, and when left alone it would unfold back to life with freshness. It's only lately that I learnt about the science behind the closing and opening of that shy plant whose botanical name is " Mimosa pudica", also known in plain English as "humble plant".

The intelligence of humble plant is amazing. It's often found in areas deficient of nitrogen because that's where it can tap its food. And do you know what it feeds on? Insects! That's right. When a small insect lands on top of its leaves, it suddenly closes; trapping the insect, until the poor insect dies. Then the plant extracts nitrogen from the protein material of the said insect, that's how it's able to thrive.

Shy plant. Internet photo

The sparrow is another deeply interesting creation. I grew up in Kabale where they came in many shades of the finch birds. These are the smallest of the bird species but more exciting than their chirpy music and colourful plumage is the intricate design of their nests. In Jesus' time these birds were so undervalued that two sparrows sold for a mere copper coin yet the creativity and the heart with which they craft and decorate their nests to the last detail would shame a typical Ugandan architect and interior designer. 

Meanwhile people talk about a rose, a red one particularly but have you taken time to observe the colour and look of the lily? It was not easy to impress Jesus Christ yet the lily of the field did so effortlessly. He talks about it glowingly in the gospels, gushing about how even King Solomon with all his wisdom and splendor could not come close to smartness compared to how the lily arrayed. 

For me the humble plant, the sparrow and the lily of the field are little things that make me ruminate. You think about the quiet intelligence that is thoroughly applied to their daily living, and you are profoundly humbled.