Past tense and past participle of spend.
adj.
1. Used up; consumed
2. Having come to an end; passed
3. Depleted of energy, force, or strength; exhausted
This is how we refer to blooms that are past their prime. But are they? Is it only our perception? Is this the only time they are useful? Have they nothing else to offer us?
As I try to look at my own life and purpose on this planet, I find it helpful to compare my growth, both physically and spiritually to flowers. They have mad survival skills, braving the long, cold winter. They throw caution to the wind and break through the hard ground even in risky spring weather. They always look on the bright side (the sun). They offer beauty and sweetness to all that cross their path and gently and gracefully move through the phases of their life. But what then? What of the time when we say they are spent? What time does this represent in my life?
I have had all the children I am going to have in this life. Am I spent? worthless? No way! As I ponder what I have to offer to this world and those I meet, isn't it only natural that I should seek the continuing worth and beauty of my spent flowers? Well, here is step one: Spend some time and look, smell, and photograph!!
I'm sure it is evident that I have a lot more exploring to do on this subject and I do but I wanted to share the first step on my journey...seeing the beauty!
Never thought about the 'non-blooming' time of flowers. They look like they're dying. But perhaps they're not. Perhaps this is preparation for the next stage. You've definitely given me something to think about in this regard. I look forward to what you're learning and will share again here.
ReplyDeleteLovely photos!
Thank you for your thoughts, Leslie. I am definitely at the infant stage of this line of thinking and welcome any insight you have or may discover. Thank you so for your encouragment.
ReplyDeleteJesse
Oh, my darling Jesse! Your perception and your eye for beauty brings me such joy. What are those spent flowers doing? They are cradling a new generation and therefore, preparing for eternal life...
ReplyDeleteLove,
Mom
Now THAT is an idea with a lot of weight! Are we still talking about flowers? We should write a book, you and I.
ReplyDeleteIt was you who taught me of the interdependent web of life and all the ways we are connected with the nature around us.
Every time I step into the woods in it's freshness after a rain, the creek in search of an arrowhead, onto the porch to discover the days' sky art or to capture some scared and silly insect and carry it to a safer place YOU are right there. So many experiences I carry with me all the time echo in my ears and have made me "bloom" in just the way that I have and now I offer those experiences to my "buds".
Oh, how right you are....
Love you!
I like you. Gorgeous photos, as always.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Jessie. I've been looking at mangled leaves in a new way, too, ever since I started thinking of insects as necessary for a healthy bird population.
ReplyDelete