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I stood in my kitchen watching as my neighbor ran frantically, from back yard to front yard. What was she doing, I wondered? her arm swung backward and then forward quickly. She had thrown something from over the fence, into my yard. Then suddenly through my front window, I saw her running, to the other side of my house. There was a knock on my door and I knew it was her.
“What has happened?”
“Dixie, I’m leaving my husband. I threw my favorite rose bush over the fence into your yard. If I leave it, he’ll dig it up and kill it. Please take care of it. I’ll call you.”
I became the proud owner of a rose, I knew nothing about, nor how to take care of it. I simply planted it, added water, and prayed it would live.
“One of the most tragic things I know about human nature is that all of us tend to put off living .We are all dreaming of some magical rose garden over the horizon, instead of enjoying the roses that are blooming outside our window today.” 1
Funny how that sentence came to life for me. That rose bloomed and I sucked in the air in surprise. What a scent! What a colour! What a perfect looking specimen. I no longer looked beyond my own garden, but felt contented to watch each tiny bud open. I found myself hoping the red clay of my yard would not turn it magenta.
“Make time for what's uplifting, connecting, inspiring. Compassion must translate into action. Don't just wish for love; be more loving. Don't just wish for happiness; live with greater joy.” 2
I have rediscovered my yard, and watched every plant take its turn at awing me with beauty. I wish to translate this watchfulness into relationships. Would that I could be a person of unconditional love. How might I change? What might I change?
“Choose what feeds your mind, heart and soul. What goes in will closely reflect what comes out.” 3
I’ve begun to scrutinize what goes in and what comes out. I’ve found errors that I must tend to, just as that rose needs tending. I won’t be pitching anything over my fence. Instead I will be more appreciative of what has been given, in order that I might send out with care.
1,2,3: all quotes – authors unknown