Yesterday was a fast track, and I raced around the morning till everything was a blur trying to get so much accomplished, complete so many laps at record speed. I started home after working through the morning and running half a dozen errands and my mind was racing along still 'on track', and then something caught my eye.
At first, it was just another office building, a little off the beaten path, but nothing extraordinary in the architecture. But there was this tree adorned with flowers as big as my hand. The tree wasn't very tall or thick, but it was home to these amazing blossoms. The sky was grey and there was no doubt the rain would take the sky hostage later on.
I pulled into the parking lot and pulled out my camera. Then starting back I saw another tree. This time a tulip tree. The area around the office building was modest houses, and apartment buildings that were losing the battle with shabbiness. But someone had taken the time to plant and tend something beautiful. I shot more pictures and noticed flowerbeds with pansies, daisies, poppies and flowers that were a mystery, but flashed their colors with pride and style.
I walked around, capturing what I could in the lens and shutter. Some of the flowers were past their prime, but still spoke to me in a whisper that said 'someone cares and made this a little haven in a world of asphalt, brick and concrete.'
As much bad news as we hear, as much as we (or those we know) are impacted with the troubled economy, the losses and sufferings we face, the fear and struggles that weigh us down, there is still beauty, there is still hope, there are still blessings that we should receive with a smile. Someone made a choice to pay a gardener to plant those flowers - they could have chosen to save the money. The gardener chose flowers with care and tended them so they shown like jewels - the pride in his/her work was as vibrant as the color of the blooms.
No matter how desperate we get, there are earthly angels who plant blessings - there is beauty that thrives in the hardest times. Take a little time to get off the track for a few moments each day. Recharge and refresh your soul with a blessing that might go unnoticed because you're bound up with care and focused on just getting through the day. Then take that blessing along with you. It'll make the burdens and your heart a little lighter.
Peace all.
Karen
