Flowers live out a message!

 I feel drawn towards flowers and buds even more than I used to be in the past!

I wonder whether it is because of a long spell of rainy season this year which deprived us of  flowers in the normal season! Or is it because of the flowers receiving new significance in my life!

May be the latter! I have become even more aware of the way flowers open up to spread fragrance and provide nectar to bees, insects and butterflies. 

I have felt that it is a calling for humans! 

During the COVID season, I became even more aware of the call to live mindful of others. I had to make a choice if I would still work at my age during the COVID season. While considering this I consulted a few who could guide me about the medical challenges associated with physical consultation in the out patient work. One infectious disease specialist, an authority in viral illnesses told me, 'MC, knowing you, you would want to be available inspite of the risk... the risk is there. But you lived your life well. Remember flowers have a short life. They give nectar and fragrance to others during that short time. You know how to take care of yourself. So the risk is lesser'.  I took that advice to my heart and continued working during the year without taking a break. 

I feel overwhelmingly grateful for having been well. Anna too has kept well. 

That conversation with that retired professor was an affirmation on the calling in life. Life is to be lived thinking of others. 

I visit all the rose bushes in our garden almost each day to receive this message to my consciousness. The flowers are for others Each of those rose bushes were planted remembering the some with whom I have had difficulties in relationships. So Anna and I planted some rose bushes to remember them and be appreciative of them! When we receive flowers from those plants we feel renewed in our thoughts towards them. 

What matters in life is how our lives have touched others or how open we were to feel with others in their journey through their peeks and valleys of lives!

M.C.Mathew (text and photo)