Blossoming in all seasons

This Orchid in our garden may be about twenty years old planted by my father. It is conspicuous because it is the only plant which would have flowers at all seasons. Since Anna and I came to live here, we had two rainy seasons, one summer and winter. All the other plants had blossoms in its own season. This orchid was full of blossoms all through the year. We have couple of other orchids, which

blossoms only during its own season.

I was talking to our domestic helper about gardening yesterday. He has worked in the farm for thirty five years and is full of practical wisdom nurturing each tree and plant. He mentioned to me that this orchid thrives, whether it is a frosty winter or windy monsoon or humid summer. It has some unusual capacity.

Later that evening, a neighbour dropped in, who is a widow now for ten years. She married her husband who was known to be Schizophrenic for twenty years with frequent relapses. She knowing this decided to offer him her life companionship. She is blessed with three children and seven grand children. Her husband passed away with due to organ failure. Since then, she has spent her time attending to the needs friends in the Church and neighbourhood. She is a faithful and caring grandmother. Although she has arthritis and some difficulties due to ageing, her face is radiant, communicating and comforting. She attributes all of these to the grace she receives through prayer.

We are called to live gracefully through all seasons in our lives. I have a feeling that, people who lived through challenges are often more steadfast in fortitude. 

Every time, I watch this orchid often, as it is in our drive way, I receive the call to live 'rejoicing' in all  seasons. St. Paul, a prisoner accused for his faith, wrote, 'Again, I say rejoice' in order to bring blessings and hope to others just as the orchid is a visual feast to th beholder.

M.C.Mathew(text and photo)