While walking last week I saw my favorite flower lining the road: chicory. I appreciate these beautiful blue wildflowers because they are so hardy and resilient. They withstand heavy rain and drought. They bloom from June until October. I can’t think of another flower that survives that long. Even after the township road crews mow the chicory down, many of these hardy plants grow back. Chicory sets a good example for us. Resiliency benefits us in life.
Growing up I was very inflexible. I liked doing things my way. I planned things out in my mind and wanted life to go exactly as planned. When it didn’t I’d either pout or get really depressed. As I’ve aged I’ve learned to be flexible. Parenting does that to you.
Flexibility looks different for everyone. I used to like sleeping in until 9 or 9:30 a.m. Now I wake up on my own between 5:45 and 6:30 a.m. When we first married I told my husband I’d do all the dishes and laundry in exchange for his taking out garbage and recycling. I hated touching garbage bags. I take the garbage out every day without thinking twice now. When my plans don’t work out, I roll with it. Truth be told, I hardly plan anything anymore. I put reminders in my smartphone and try to follow my schedule, but that’s about it. Plans have sort of fallen by the wayside as I try to just keep up with life.
Let’s let chicory inspire us. When grief falls like rain and drenches you, stand firm and cling to your roots. When if feels as if life mowed you down, rise up. When life dries up your joy, stand in the burning sun until refreshment comes.
Have a wonderful week. Blessings!