The once beautiful bouquet of flowers had now wilted. Their heads drooped, petals fell and the leaves were crisp and dry. They had been like this for days before I finally disposed of them. My reasoning for keeping them was that even in this state, they reminded me of the beauty and fragrance that had been present in previous days.
As I removed the flowers from the vase, I was reminded that nothing lasts forever. The joys in my life need to be savored in the moment and stored as beautiful memories. Sometimes, like cut flowers, they will be gone far too quickly. Just as these flowers were an unexpected gift, so are many things that happen in my life.
I choose to view my life as the perennial flowers in my garden. They bloom for a season, one lovely blossom being replaced by the next. Then they have a season where they appear dormant. This time of rest prepares them for the next phase, when they will burst forth into renewed life as the seasons change once again.
As I think of my wilted flowers I choose not be sad that they are gone, but to be thankful that I had the opportunity to enjoy them in the first place. They brightened my life in the short time they were here. At some point I will again enjoy a bouquet of flowers. They will not be identical to the ones I had, but will each bring their own beauty into my life. I trust God to provide the fragrance of new beginnings and the season of rest, all in his perfect timing.
For you have been born again, not of perishable seed, but of imperishable, through the living and enduring word of God. For, “All people are like grass, and all their glory is like the flowers of the field; the grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of the Lord endures forever.” 1Peter 1 23-25 NIV
Be inspired this week.
Thanks Tandy I needed that perspective today as recently found a friend has returned cancer and he is very special to me and even tho we are new relationships come and go just like the flowers but we remember the beauty of when they were. Thanks
I’m happy that my words could ease, for a moment, the sadness you are experiencing right now. I wrote this at a time when I was struggling and needed a positive perspective and hoped it would touch someone else as well. I will pray for many happy moments with your friend that will be recalled at the times you need them most.
Hi Tandy:
I liked the new post. I like the thought of new beginning, the time of flowering and then the time of rest.
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Shirley,
Thank you for sharing your journey with me. I will be praying for you as you start out on uncharted territory. Sending lots of love your way. Tandy