Hydrangea shrubs become so heavy with blooms towards the end of summer that their branches begin to droop. Their tired appearance might make it easy for you to walk past. But stop. Take a closer look…
Despite the droopiness of the branches, is not each bloom still exquisite, still perfect in its form and softness? Peering through the bloom, one can get a glimpse of the fragile inner structure that holds each of the tiny flowers together in the rounded shape that is often mistaken for the flower itself. Look more closely…
Each individual little flower consists of three tiny petals with its own centre. Look! The tiniest of flies is taking a rest on one of them.
Like flowers, the more closely we look at people, the more wondrous they become. Although they might appear tired and worn from a distance, up close, their resilience and beauty is revealed. Sometimes it’s only when they begin to fall apart a little, that we can see what holds them together beneath the surface. Each one is more complex than we could ever have imagined. But such discoveries don’t come cheap.
It takes time, patience and energy to focus on a single flower or person. Some open themselves more easily to revelation than others. Yet each one will open and disclose its beauty in its own time.
So much is waiting for us to discover, in both flowers and people… if only we would take the time and look carefully.
Look deep into nature and then you will understand everything better.
~ Albert Einstein
Flandrum Hill 