"Here are your keys," she said.
"And I left a little something for you on the front seat. For your birthday."
Oh me. Birthday was the last thing on my mind. So very sweet of her! Such an honor to be remembered!
How is it that those who carry the heaviest burdens, who have the most on their minds, remember others so well?
Sliding into the driver's seat, I saw
An orchid.
With delicate pink/purple tinted blooms on white. Attached to a green supporting stake with those cute little "claw" clips I remember using to tame the curls in my daughters' pretty hair. The camera doesn't do it justice. Or my photographic ability. At all. Perfect to park by the thoughtful card received yesterday from the same generous friend.
Back in February of 2018, through the generosity of friends, I was able to visit Longwood Gardens. For the first time in 26 years, I strolled through the lush greenery and displays of every color and design imaginable, and breathed in the oxygen saturated air. For the first time, orchids were on my radar.
Beyond lovely, they were. I didn't attempt photos. Just soaked them in. On occasion, then, I would recognize them when I was out and about. Was often tempted to purchase one.
Two things held me back. No, three:
The natural resistance to purchasing anything for myself.
The lack of a green thumb.
And which color to choose?
Suddenly, the choices were made for me. An orchid sat on my kitchen table.
Time to brush up on the care and feeding of such.
I learned:
- They are not your typical potted plant.
- Most orchids are tropical plants which live as "air plants" hanging on to trees for support.
- The orchid gets no nutrients from the tree itself; it is not a parasite, it gets only support.
- Many orchids have to deal with times of abundant water and times of dryness; they have thick stems called "pseudobulbs" that allow them to store and hold water for the dry periods to come.
- Orchids do best in a humid environment, and prefer light from a north or an east facing window.
- Understanding the natural conditions in which the orchid grows, is critical to understanding what the orchid needs for its care.
Alrighty then. With further instructions on the proper potting mix and watering, I was ready to give this a try.
However, I thought about orchids some more. Orchids are not unlike me.
- I am not typical. I am a unique creation of God.
- I need support.
- There are times of abundance, and times of lack. Do I store up the Water of Life in order to preserve my life in the dry and desperate times?
- I thrive in the tender Light, not the harsh, wilting glare of pain and loss.
- I am cared for best by those who take time to know the specific nurturing my soul craves.
The delightful truth? This same Creator Who formed me with His hands, created the orchid too. If He cares for the orchid's every need in a variety of environments, will He not also care for me in whatever life brings? If He displays His creative work in the dependent orchid, it stands to reason that I am also created for a distinctive purpose, secure in His care.
Now, for that east window!
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