Nurturing Life

This summer, in contrast to many parts of the country, our area received a healthy combination of bright sunshine and plenty of rain. So, I felt that the marigolds in my two window boxes were doing just fine. At least that is what I thought...until I took a closer look!

What a surprise, and a sad one at that, to see how dry they really were, with leaves about to shrivel up. It was then that I observed how the overhang blocked the rain, unless a driving storm came from that direction. What a joy it was to see how the plants responded, following a good watering. They perked up, a multitude of blossoms appeared. The circle of nurturing life continued: everyday, my marigolds seem to show their gratitude with their simple, vibrant beauty.

Quite unexpectedly, this reminded of how easy it is to believe that life around you is doing just fine -- when in reality it isn't. With human beings, this seems especially true. We, who are often so independent and self-sustaining, simultaneously need to be "watered" -- loved, valued, educated, supported. Yet, it is easy to miss when one thinks the other is being "watered," just like I missed seeing the thirsty marigolds...until I looked, very carefully.

What about you? Has something similar happened in your life?