The Meaning of Flowers

I feel I often begin my blogs with apologizing for the lack of posts I provide my readers... this one shall be no different. I am sorry, to all my readers, for slacking on the blogging process. Ive so desperately been wanting to blog, to tell a funny story, to share about whats been happening. But I feel as if I have nothing of importance to relay to my audience. So I choose to not say anything. Besides the fact that school is taking over my life.
However, I feel I should break my silence with something to give you to read. The past few weeks have been incredibly insane. School, as I mentioned, is TAKING OVER MY LIFE. But the past week has been one of lessons for me. Mostly, they have been lessons of listening - listening to others around me and being silent, as sometimes a listening ear is all that is needed.
What is also interesting is that Philippians 2 has been brought to my attention several times this week. [This is related to the listening thing...] My wonderful sister blogged recently, and encountered herself in the same predicament Ive found myself in - not knowing what to write about. But instead of random ramblings, she chose to share the Word... something I wish I did more. What exactly did she share? Philippians 2... I know... I told you! Its been on my mind. And its convicting.
Philippians 2:1-4 says, "Therefore if you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any common sharing in the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind. Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of others."

This week I had several friends share struggles theyve been faced with in the recent times. One friend broke up with her boyfriend. This friend planned on marrying him... Amongst other hardships shes dealing with, shes one of the leads in the new play here. I decided I needed to be there for her - I needed to be there opening night to encourage her. She needed a smiling face, cuz lets be honest, those smiling faces sometimes help. I needed to look into her interests, rather than my own. (Im not saying Im a saving angel right now, just telling the story.) Before the show, I went to search for flowers for her. I figured it was a common gift for actors in plays. But more than that, I know how I feel when I receive flowers.

That is probably my most girly quality - I love being given flowers. I love roses. I love colorful arrangements. I just love flowers. And I realize how significant flowers can be, and how much they can say. Flowers appear at the most important events of our lives: weddings, births, illness, celebratory events, funerals... I believe flowers speak to people, they signify someone was thinking of you, someone wanted to make you smile. And flowers are beautiful! They are an amazing creation...
Anyways. I found a gorgeous, colorful arrangement and decided they were perfect for my beautiful friend. Monica and I went to the play, ready for anything. The play was great... But my friend was fantastic! She was incredible. And knowing the struggles behind the acting, I admired her for remembering every line, singing wonderfully, and just getting up there. I was so proud of her. After the show, we waited for our star to make her appearance in the lobby. She came out and made a beeline to us. I gave her the flowers and she grabbed me for a hug. She explained how her boyfriend would always get her flowers on opening night and she was dreading the end of the show because that wouldnt be there... But she didnt have to face it... And she was so grateful and she shed a few tears.
Im not a cryer, but I had a hard time staying strong with an encouraging smile on my face. I wanted to break down with her. But I knew it wouldnt help, so I held her and maintained my smile. It made me realize, even more, how much flowers can mean to people. Sure, they die. But even when theyre dead, they can be just as beautiful as when they are alive. Right now, we have two different dried bouquets of flowers hanging on the walls in our apartments (both were given to me). But its what they mean. And she could not have understood their meaning better.
I included a few pictures of some beautiful flowers that played a part in my life. One picture is of arrangements from my sisters wedding - symbolizing new beginnings and celebrations. Another picture is of an arrangement Monica gave me for my birthday, because she knows how much I love them. (This was obviously to celebrate one of the greatest births on the planet! ;)) And finally - a picture of the gorgeous flowers leading to my house, symbolizing my most favorite thing - home.