Flowers In The Rain

“You need to cut the roses before the rain or the petals will be ruined,” my husband said.

I knew he was right. Torrential bands of thunderstorms from Hurricane Cristobal were predicted to arrive at any moment. The sky from my kitchen window was thick with clouds, but I poured my coffee and fed the dog. After all, my superior sense of timing told me that nothing would happen within the next few minutes.

When I looked outside again, rain was beating the ground with a merciless fury.

Watching the deluge, I thought about my roses and their delicate blooms. Maybe after the storm, the flowers would still remain in pristine glory. I could always hope for the best.

My eyes followed the sound of the torrent that beat against my windows. Sheets of rain splashed on the lawn and started to cover my street with a few inches of water. I shook my head in resignation.

The most likely outcome of the downpour was that my blossoms would be destroyed.

As I stood in my house and listened to the gusts of wind and thunder, I thought about how much people are like the dazzling rose bushes just beyond my back door. So often, there are good and beautiful souls that are beat down by the forces of life. Whether it is heartache, unfairness, disappointments, brokenness or a sudden change in circumstances, so many obstacles can leave individuals bruised and aching. Most often, the hardest hurts to endure are the ones that come from those that should care the most.

So how should the blows and tears of life be handled, especially when there is no end in sight to the hurting? Our world struggles with so much unkindness.

Just yesterday, a wise lady posted a comment on Facebook about this very thought. I had heard the words before, but they washed over me in a fresh way after reading her comment.

“Hurt people hurt people.”

The words are so true. For anyone that has ever studied psychology, the message is clear. Humans are wounded by those that carry the most anguish.

I thought about this truth as I heard the rain stop. Watching the puddles absorb in the ground made me sigh with sadness. I went to check my roses.

To my surprise, the petals on the flowers were still intact. As I watched the sun appear and lighten the sky, the blossoms seem to gratefully dry, their color deepened by the water.

Looking at the vivid plant, I decided to practice thoughtfulness. My hope is to view everyone - including myself - as someone that has endured something or is currently walking through a hardship. Maybe seeing humans as beloved creatures can change interactions. If I can stop, or at least be aware, that everyone hurts in some way, then maybe true grace can follow.

My hope is to be like the needed sunshine in my garden. I want to be kind-to myself and others. After all, each one of us is just a beautiful creation in need of care.