By Christine Thackeray
My husband is in Wisconsin on assignment for six weeks. He won't be home for Valentine's Day but I got a surprise tap on my door this morning and found a dozen red roses on the front porch.
As a much younger woman, I was often frustrated with my husband for this gesture. Flowers die so quickly and with our budget always stretched trying to care for a big family, I only saw them as a waste of money. Maybe that's because I had toddlers who would try to eat them no matter how high the shelf or older kids whose frisbees and tennis balls seemed to have some magnetic draw to the vase, causing it to crash to the floor in pieces.
Oddly, I think my attitude began to change when I went to the San Diego Temple for my sister's wedding. It was the most ornate temple I had ever seen, and it made me realize that even with limited resources, we need to spend time and effort on beauty in our lives. Whether flowers on the table, an afternoon at the art museum or curling up with a great book, making room for the glorious things of this life is truly important. It feeds our souls, making us have more to offer others.
Lifting the velvet buds to place in the center of my kitchen table, I felt nothing but joy and gratitude for a great husband and the token that reminded me of him. It also made me want to share that beauty with others more readily.
This is a great reminder, Christine, Thanks! What a sweet thing for your husband to do.
ReplyDeleteOne of my favorite poems goes something like--
If of thy meager stores
two loaves alone to thee are left,
sell one,
and with the dole
buy hyacinths to feed thy soul.
i wish I could remember it exactly...but that is pretty close!
Happy Valentines day!
It is hard for me to appreciate flowers as well. Thanks for this reminder to appreciate the beauty in life and to try to add beauty where possible.
ReplyDeleteWhat a great story & a great reminder. Thanks Christine. Happy Valentine's!
ReplyDeleteI have a hard time appreciating flowers too, of course, that never seems to be a problem around here:) Glad you got some for Valentine's Day, especially with your husband gone.
ReplyDeleteI had the same attitude when I was first married, too, but I have come to appreciated the generous gesture. When my mother passed away, I was so touched by the generosity of those who sent flowers. Each bouquet was special and I think I hugged (and cried over) each one, thorns and all. Now I know why we carry on that old tradition.
ReplyDelete