Good Evening, God
At 6:38 this morning Margaret sent me a text saying that David had seen Night Blooming Cereus on his morning walk! I thanked her and said I will make it before they close! And I did! It took me almost an hour to rake care of hygiene activities, dress and walk down to the mailbox area. But the tree they live on was still in shade.
These are blooms that invite me — like the bees — to fall into. The delicacy of the petals — the richness of the stamens — even the soft green of the leaves are mesmerizing. This photo captures the Santa Catalina mountains in the distance. And the flower doesn’t leap out at you. I requires “looking” for it. That is part of my delight. Not only did these flowers have to be “spotted” but I had to make an effort to see them. They are wrapped around a modest tree in the middle of a large common area. And I have to pick my way over irregular rocks to get to them.
For many years I would drive by the long hedge of night blooming cereus at the foot of Punahou School. I was delighted but, I was never tempted to pull over and appreciate them. There were just so many! Hmm. I seem to be designed to relate to just a few. Too many of almost anything seems to overwhelm me. Also, the fact that I had to make a real effort to see them, helped me value them more. In truth, they are spectacular.
But so many things are worth noticing and appreciating. This bunch of small yellow flowers greeting me as I came home. They are often categorized as a “weed” but most of my neighbors ask to landscapers to leave them. They are a small burst of joy. Please, God, help me to slow down so I can Notice and Enjoy!
Story teller,
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