February is the month of love, at least that is what box stores and commercials say. They want people to do outrageous things, buy loads of flowers, random razz ma tas - just to say 'I love you' on one designated day. I have always found this to be ridiculous. Many people told me, over the years that when you have that special someone in your life, ridiculous will not be your word choice. Well I am here to say, that doing the above for Valentine's is still ridiculous, and I do have a special someone. Leading up to this month of "love", I warned him many times of my despise of Valentines hoop la, and how I thought it was ridiculous! Thankfully, he didn't disown me because of this, but he also accepted it, at least that is what he tells me. But in this blog post, I have something different to say. My special someone, is aware that this post is being made and is actually not made about him, but instead something that I have held on to for a few years.
Two years ago, I was surprised by this gift sent to me in the mail. The sending was not identified, but eventually was discovered that a true friend of mine had sent this to me. A few things came to mind when I opened this plant. 1) For sure I will kill it, I can't keep any plant alive. 2) why me and 3) so sweet, but its valentine's day - and I don't do valentines day!.. Well years went on and my friend and I were close. Now this is a person that I met freshman year of high school. We were in classes together including band, where we spent most of our lives. Many band adventures, but mostly a friendship grew. He was someone that knew everything about me and I could tell anything too. Most of my memories from high school include him, either in ways that are full of laughter or in ways that he never didn't stand up for me. I went through a break-up, but he was there available to be a friend for me to yell, scream and cry with. College came and our friendship continued, from party dates to ice cream dates. Friends are a gift that the average person can't understand. Well time has passed, we have all grown, but unfortunately are friendship has drifted. This year on February 14th, Valentine's day, my orchid bloomed. And I want to share some reflections.
1) I thought for sure I would kill it 2 years ago, but yet I've manged to keep it alive. It hasn't bloomed since I got it, but yet it stayed alive and healthy. I would pray that our friendship would be like this. Different things can interrupt friendships, but ultimately they can remain.
2) Why me, why did I receive an orchid on Valentine's day. BECAUSE, my friend is the kind of guy that things for people just because. He has a heart that is full of making people smile, and I pray that there is someone that does the same thing for him.
3) Orchid's are like the best flower for me. They want to be forgotten and then accidentally remembered to be watered. They don't need a lot of attention (though this one would probably appreciate a little). Friendships need to be watered a little more than this orchid, but can maintain over time. Our friendship has drifted and our lives have changed, yet I hope that my friend will use an orchid to understand the friendship that we once had. It may not be something that can be fixed to where it was, but at least it can be a conversation.
This orchid and I have had our days, days when it was like dying and I forgot... but to see a plant that hangs on even when I have given up is so inspirational. Makes me not want have a few more orchid's sitting around.
Dear Heavenly father, You ask us to imitate you and live our lives. And that is so challenging. But I will try harder. I see this orchid and relate it to a friendship, because making a connection with something, makes it a little easier to understand the deeper meaning. You are holy, and loyal to love us even when we have wandered off, that is so beautiful. We should want to do everything possible to follow you and to listen to you, continue to guide us and to call us back to you, so that we will learn to follow you. Amen.
