I find a certain peace in watering the plants at my parents’ house (and might even have my own some day!). Early in the morning, when the hummingbirds spin round, before the heat of the day sucks the moisture from my body.
I prefer sturdy plants that don’t require a great deal of water, so I don’t stress about killing them. I may not have the greenest of green thumbs. But I do my best. I think I do it fairly compentently. I’ve kept a basil plant alive for weeks! It isn’t only the act of watering the plants that brings me satisfaction, however.
It’s the bounty it produces.
The colorful blooms and bright red tomatoes. I love popping a cherry tomato off the vine and its flavor bursting in my mouth. You see…
…the tomato plant can’t produce anything if it doesn’t have water.
I don’t have a secret to my balance, except for this: I don’t overwork myself trying to make that one plant- the one that refuses to bloom- produce beautiful flowers that give me joy.
And I don’t ask the flowering plant to bloom, if I never give it water.
Sure, I’m not always the best at keeping up with my relationships, especially the people in my life I don’t consistently see in person. But I try, or at any rate, I think I’m doing an alright job of trying. I hope that others see me the same way!
I am not saying give up on anyone. But I am saying that nobody can flourish in a relationship where they never get their cup refilled.
And I am saying that you if you wonder if you can take on that new friend, that new mentee, it may very well give you more than you could ever have imagined…
