A few years ago, I planted a handful of lily bulbs in my backyard. That first year, everything was fueled by the fresh excitement of the new. I hovered over them, watered them, and anxiously anticipated their arrival. When spring came, they bloomed, and I sat in the backyard just cherishing their vibrant colors.
By the next spring, life had picked up. I had less time to sit and watch them, but seeing them pop up was a comforting, familiar hug. I didn't need to baby them anymore; I just knew they would come back.
This year was different. I had no grand plans for a backyard garden. I didn't pay attention to the dirt, I rarely stepped outside, and frankly, the backyard was looking a bit dry and forgotten. There was no excitement.
But winter always ends, and spring always finds a way.
One afternoon, I looked out, and there they were: those bright orange poppers, blooming fiercely against the dry soil. They didn't care that I hadn't watered them. They didn't hold a grudge because I had been too busy to visit. They just showed up to remind me to take a breath, step outside, and welcome the warmth and sunshine of the upcoming summer.
Standing there, I felt a wave of gratitude—not just for the flowers, but for my past self who had the foresight to plant them once upon a time.
It made me think about the people in our lives. Sometimes, life gets dry. We get busy, we disconnect, and we forget to look out the window. But those lilies reminded me of the kind of person I want to be. I want to be the one who shows up consistently, without conditions, just to bring a little warmth and a reason to smile to the people I love. I want to be a reminder that winter is over.
To all the "lilies" in my life—the people who bloom for me even when I’ve been too busy to water the relationship—thank you. I’m so glad I have you. And to everyone else: consider this your gentle reminder to take a pause, step outside, and check on your people today.
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