Back when I
was in my twenties, I had this idea that as I got older, I would get things
figured out, and I would fully understand how the world works and exactly how
to live my life. Now that I’m in my
sixties, the one thing I know for sure is there is always more to learn, and it
is unlikely I will ever understand other people when I’m still trying to figure
out myself. The positive in that is, I
get to keep growing and learning and trying new things.
All summer I
have been trying to get control of my yard.
The flower beds and garden were totally overgrown, by the time I was
able to work on them. I have been
working on them almost every day, except on those days when the weather won’t
cooperate. This week it is expected to
be in the nineties every day, so that will limit my yard work time.
Over the
weekend I began cutting down weeds and brush in the flowerbed by my
garage. As I cleared away the unwanted overgrowth, I discovered these beautiful Day Lilies and Purple Coneflower,
hidden among the brush and weeds. Now
that the clutter is gone, these beautiful plants will be able to flourish. No matter how much the weeds tried to take
over the garden, these flowers prevailed
I think that
can be true about us as humans as well.
Get rid of the negative thoughts.
Get rid of the self doubt. Be willing
to take risks, try something new, and learn.
Discover the beauty within ourselves, and let it grow.
I have been
trying to do some of that this summer by working at the Greater Des Moines
Botanical Garden. I have taught at the
same school for 29 years, and it is still home.
But I am enjoying this new adventure in this new setting. It is an opportunity to meet new people and
try new things, and I am learning something new every day that I go.
- I am grateful for beautiful flowers.
- I
am thankful for strength and
- I
am grateful for all the opportunities to grow and learn.
