“All is well, and every kind of thing will be well.” ~Julian of Norwich
The first spring after I moved into my new home a little over three years ago, my friend Diana who lives just five minutes away invited me to go with her to buy pansies. With only a rudimentary familiarity with this flower, I had no knowledge of her resilience. She looks fragile, but she is one tough cookie.
I planted this year’s selection in the urns on my deck Friday afternoon. Friday night it snowed and this is how they looked Saturday morning.
Three hours later, after basking in the warmth of the sun, they demonstrated what tough little ladies they are.
To me, these pansies provide a great metaphor for life. We may be knocked down and discouraged at times but we don’t have to be knocked out. In my memoir, A Long Awakening to Grace, I went through years of being disheartened as I tackled an onslaught of obstacles. The enduring message for my readers seems to be how I never gave up.
Fortunately, I had the warmth of the sun in my life … friends who supported me, a community that taught me the path to serenity, and my dependence upon a power greater than myself. I was often down, but I was not out. I persevered until I experienced an awakening.
Today, when something “out there” deflates my spirit, I remember the strength I gained from living a life full of seemingly overwhelming impediments. I may be down for awhile. And my down’s look every bit as messy as those limp, bedraggled pansies, but I do not have to be out. Eventually wisdom shines a light and I am strengthened to bloom once more where I’ve been planted.
I have come to view this as a process central to a life well lived. Trusting in the warmth of the sun to nourish us, the strength to rise will emerge from within. Just like my pansies … we may sometimes be knocked down, but we do not have to be knocked out.
Beautiful Linda and remember….those pansy’s are eatable and you can bring a few in to brighten your salad!!!!
❤️ love ? ? love the metaphor. Great image. I can relate !!!!
Love, love love you my wonderfully supportive friend. I know how much you love nature and flowers. You’ve been a teacher for me.
Just last night I planted my “tough little ladies”. All my blooms were spent but I bet today’s sun will reveal that miracle ? with treasures hidden Blessings
Isn’t nature just grand. My pansies totally amaze me. Despite all this frigid weather, they are thriving. Love it.
Beautiful insight. Thanks for sharing
You are very welcome, Pat. So nice to hear from you again.
Hi Linda,
Been meaning to respond but I have been having some health challenges. Just finished chemo and getting ready to start radiation. trying to be patient. Pansies have been my favorite flower for years. I already having a bowl of them growing on my patio. And yes they too have survived and bloomed after the snow.
Oh Micky, you don’t know how often I think of you. You have been such an important person in my life. I’m so sorry for what you are going through. And I’m so grateful to hear from you. I hope you follow your favorite flowers example … survive and thrive and bloom again after the onslaught of chemo and radiation. May the warmth of the sun bring healing. You will be in my prayers. Much love, Linda
So true and well said, my friend.
Glad you resonated with it, Bonnie
Soooo beautiful, Linda. Thanks so much for your reflections – and great photos – about pansies (one of my favorites) and their resilience. Inspiring.
Love,
Ani