I’ve been marveling at a small miracle this week. I bought a Gerbera daisy, but somehow between the store and home I bent the stem of one of the blooms, bent it at a ninety-degree angle. I apologized profusely to the plant, and I assumed the flower on that stem would die within twenty-four hours. To my astonishment and wonder the blossom remains as lovely as ever a week later, with no signs of fading.
Maybe this is some special ability possessed by the stems of Gerbera daisies. Maybe the plant is strengthened by my affectionately cheering her on every day. Maybe it’s one of those miracles of Nature.
In any case, every time I sit at the table and see that valiant stem I feel grateful. And heartened. I suppose it sounds trite, but the stem has given me hope, buoyed my spirits, when I’ve badly needed it this week.
I guess that little flower shows me there is strength hiding out of sight. And if it is my love for her that has mattered, that’s good to know too.
So much life around us now here in summer! Perhaps it’s the unexpected, though, that flings the heart wide open. Jan L. Richardson describes it well in her poem, For Joy:
You can prepare
but still
it will come to you
by surprise
crossing through your doorway
calling your name in greeting
turning like a child
who quickens suddenly
within you
it will astonish you
how wide your heart
will open
in welcome
for the joy
that finds you
so ready
and still so
unprepared.
What small miracles have you marveled at recently? Have you been startled by joy?
Thank you Anne for paying attention and reminding us to pause and do the same….being in the stillness with you also buoyed my day
Mary
I’m so glad Mary!
I have been blessed by two visiting Sandhills cranes this week. They stay in my yard close to the bedroom window to eat, sleep (standing on one leg), standing oh so still in the pouring rain, then shaking the rain drops off. They left two feathers behind. This was a wonderful peak into their world. Their calls echo in my mind. There is a purity present, the hand of nature that brings with it a sense belonging to something greater.
Thanks for sharing this blessing Nancy! How cool to be able to closely watch these beautiful creatures, who hold such an ancient, eternal air…