THE ROSE PARADE

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When I lived in Southern California I had the opportunity to help the Lutheran organization, Petal Pushers, work on the Rose Bowl Parade. It was a revelation. Who knew the magnitude of design, horticulture and enthusiasm behind those flower-bedecked floats that show up every New Year’s Day driving down Pasadena’s Colorado Boulevard? And why is the Lutheran Church involved? Turns out they have been for a very long time and every year they not only sponsor their own float, but also lend laborers to help decorate other floats. That first year, I helped on the Honda float and also on the Lutheran Layman’s League float. Countless flowers, thousands of volunteer hours and lots of money are expended on that ephemeral extravaganza. For most it’s a form of advertising, but for the Lutheran float it’s a way to reach the world with the beauty of God’s love.

I remember having mixed feelings about the whole experience; it was awesome, chilly, exhausting, enlightening, and a little confusing. So much time and effort for such a transitory thing seemed questionable, but the camaraderie, brilliance, beauty, and most of all the purpose of the Lutheran float won me over. Now every year as I watch the parade and marvel, remembering the intricate processes behind it, I recognize there are myriad ways God’s hand is displayed there. I pray that float will remind millions of others watching all that creativity parading down the boulevard to better appreciate the Creator and give God the credit on New Year's Day and throughout the coming year.