FergusonPoetryProject LLC

Blog Post Sermon: “Love That Grows in the Stillness: Reflections from a Parkside Picnic”

In today’s fast-paced world, we often overlook the beauty found in the simple, quiet moments of life. The song “Parkside Picnic” reminds us of the depth that can be discovered in those peaceful, uninterrupted times — where love, connection, and clarity can truly grow. This song beautifully portrays how an afternoon under an oak tree, away from the chaos of the world, can become a turning point in a relationship. It invites us to reflect on how love, like wildflowers, can bloom when we slow down and give it the space to grow.

The Power of Simplicity in Love

At the heart of “Parkside Picnic” is the idea that love doesn’t need grand gestures or extravagant experiences to flourish. Instead, it thrives in the simplicity of shared moments — conversations, glances, and time spent together. The world fades away, and two people find themselves growing closer in the stillness of creation. This echoes the biblical principle of contentment found in 1 Timothy 6:6: “But godliness with contentment is great gain.”

The song paints a picture of a love that deepens without distraction, in the quiet of nature. This simple love mirrors the kind of relationship God calls us to have with Him — one where we step away from the busyness of life and sit quietly in His presence. In Psalm 46:10, we are reminded, “Be still, and know that I am God.” It’s in these still moments, both with God and with others, that the most profound connections are made.

Christian Libertarianism: The Freedom of Individual Relationships

From a Christian Libertarian perspective, “Parkside Picnic” aligns with the belief in the power and autonomy of individual relationships. Christian Libertarians emphasize personal responsibility, freedom, and the importance of relationships formed and nurtured by individuals rather than being dictated or interfered with by outside forces.

In the song, the love that blooms between two people is cultivated privately, not through societal expectations or external pressures, but through their genuine, personal connection. This resonates with the idea that relationships — whether with God, friends, or romantic partners — flourish when given the freedom to grow naturally. It’s a call to reclaim the simplicity of human connection in an age that often tries to commodify or overcomplicate relationships.

In Matthew 22:37-39, Jesus sums up the greatest commandments: “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. … And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’” This love isn’t forced or legislated. It’s freely given, a choice made by each individual. Just as the couple in the song chose to share a simple afternoon together, we are called to choose love in its purest form — free from constraints, conditions, or control.

Modern Human Perspectives: The Need for Slowing Down

In modern society, where technology, deadlines, and constant connectivity dominate our lives, we often forget the importance of slowing down. We live in a world that values productivity over presence and speed over stillness. “Parkside Picnic” invites us to step back and recognize the value in moments of quiet reflection, where we can rediscover the beauty of the present and the people in our lives.

This idea is increasingly important in today’s mental health discourse. Many are beginning to realize that constant busyness leads to burnout, and true well-being is found in balance. The song reminds us that love, connection, and personal growth don’t come from doing more, but from being more — being present, being attentive, being open.

In Mark 6:31, we see Jesus Himself modeling this balance for us: “Then, because so many people were coming and going that they did not even have a chance to eat, he said to them, ‘Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest.’” Even Jesus knew the value of slowing down to recharge and reconnect with the Father and with others. We, too, need these “parkside picnics” in our own lives — moments to breathe, reflect, and deepen our relationships.

Relevant Scripture: The Growing of Love in Quiet Moments

Throughout Scripture, we see the value placed on the quiet, intimate moments where love can grow and thrive. Song of Solomon 2:10-12 beautifully captures the imagery of love blooming in the quiet of nature: “My beloved spoke and said to me, ‘Arise, my darling, my beautiful one, come with me. See! The winter is past; the rains are over and gone. Flowers appear on the earth; the season of singing has come, the cooing of doves is heard in our land.’” Like the couple in “Parkside Picnic,” love often grows best in peaceful, natural settings where the distractions of the world fall away, and the focus is solely on the relationship.

The song’s chorus reflects this truth: “Oh, love, it blooms where the wildflowers grow, In the simplest moments, when the world moves slow.” This is not just romantic love, but a broader principle that applies to all our relationships. Our relationship with God, too, often grows most profoundly when we make time for quiet prayer and reflection, allowing His love to bloom in our hearts.

Conclusion: Embracing the Gift of Simplicity in Love

“Parkside Picnic” calls us back to the beauty of simple, uninterrupted moments. In a world that is constantly vying for our attention, it’s a reminder that some of the most meaningful connections in life are found when we slow down, sit in stillness, and allow love to grow. This isn’t just about romantic love, but about all the relationships that matter — including our relationship with God.

From a Christian Libertarian perspective, it’s a call to embrace personal responsibility in nurturing our relationships, free from external pressures. From a modern human perspective, it’s a reminder that we must intentionally create space for connection, reflection, and growth in our fast-paced lives.

Let’s remember the power of these parkside moments, whether they’re shared under a tree with someone we love or in the quiet of our hearts with God. As we are reminded in Philippians 4:8, “Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.” It’s in these moments of peace, reflection, and simplicity that we find what is truly noble, lovely, and praiseworthy in life. And it’s there, in the quiet, that love blooms.

Key: G Major

Chords Progression:

| G  | C  | Em | D  |

| C  | G  | D  | G  |

Verse 1:

G

Underneath the old oak tree, where the sunlight softly breaks,

C

We spread a blanket on the grass, with all the time it takes,

Em

Laughter in the summer breeze, your hand so close to mine,

D

In that quiet, tender moment, I felt our hearts align.

C

The world around us faded, just you and I alone,

G

In the stillness of that afternoon, our love had gently grown,

D

With every glance, every word, the bond began to stick,

G

I knew I’d found forever at that parkside picnic.

Chorus:

G

Oh, love, it blooms where the wildflowers grow,

C

In the simplest moments, when the world moves slow,

Em

With you by my side, the future looks bright,

D

Like the sun sinking low, giving way to night.

Verse 2:

G

The way you looked at me, it was more than just a glance,

C

Like every piece of who I am was given a second chance,

Em

We talked about the little things, like what makes us feel alive,

D

And in those quiet whispers, I felt my spirit rise.

C

You told me of your dreams, and I shared a few of mine,

G

In that parkside setting, everything felt fine,

D

We built a world together, with each passing word,

G

And in the breeze of that day, our love was gently stirred.

Chorus:

G

Oh, love, it blooms where the wildflowers grow,

C

In the simplest moments, when the world moves slow,

Em

With you by my side, the future looks bright,

D

Like the sun sinking low, giving way to night.

Bridge:

C

Now every time I pass that place, where the memory still lives on,

G

I feel the warmth of that first touch, like the breaking of the dawn,

Em

For in that parkside picnic, beneath the sky so blue,

D

I found the meaning of my heart, and it’s all because of you.

Chorus:

G

Oh, love, it blooms where the wildflowers grow,

C

In the simplest moments, when the world moves slow,

Em

With you by my side, the future looks bright,

D

Like the sun sinking low, giving way to night.

Outro:

G

So here’s to the days we’ll always recall,

C

To the parkside picnics where we gave it all,

Em

For in your arms, I’ve found my place,

D

In the gentle whispers of love’s embrace.

G

Oh, love, it blooms where the wildflowers grow,

C

In the parkside moments, when the heart overflows.

As Always, God Bless,

James Arthur Ferguson