My son gifted me a beautiful hibiscus plant. It had a lovely pink flower and a few buds. Looking at the plant made me very happy!
After a few days the flower shed its petals, and soon after, the buds began to drop off as well. I researched and learned that hibiscus plants are very delicate. I decided it needed more light, so I moved it outside to my small terrace. The other plants there seemed happy with lots of sunshine, soft breezes, and sometimes even stronger wind and rain. I was hoping that the hibiscus would like it, too.
I checked on the hibiscus daily, gave it plant food, and watered it. It was growing stronger, but still there were no flowers. Then after a couple of months, a few buds appeared and soon a couple of big beautiful pink flowers blossomed. Oh, what a joy! I thanked the Lord and took a few photos to send to my son. Since then, there have been lots of buds and each one has become a beautiful flower. What a miracle of life!
Our lives can be like that, too. Many times, we need some extra care. We might need some time to rest and to have extra nourishment, and the tender loving care from a loved one or friend or at times doctors and nurses. I can relate to this; it has happened to me a few times, and invariably the care, attention, and prayers of loved ones helped me to come through.
We all experience both joy and struggles. I believe these experiences have helped me become a stronger, more understanding, loving, and caring person.
We also have a loving Father watching over us who hears our prayers, and who will never leave us or forsake us. We have the hope of better things to come—hope that, after a time of rest, new strength and joy will return. Just like my beautiful hibiscus, we will bloom again and bring love and joy to our loved ones, our friends, and our local community.