Did you ever go into a garden to enjoy the riot of colors, blooms and fragrances? Have you stopped to admire the perennials, the flowers that are always there, year after year–the flawless red rose, the clear blue iris, the complicated perfection of a carnation? Then, hidden beneath all the flowers that have earned their place in the sun through age and growth, a flash of color catches your eye. Carefully, you move aside the green leaves of all the seasoned plants and there, almost out of view, is a tiny treasure–a tiny, bright yellow marigold.
While small and seemingly insignificant and having to be nurtured each spring, the marigold brings its own benefits to the garden by keeping away the harmful insects that eat the beautiful petals of its established companions. Unfortunately, because it’s beauty is often hidden behind its dominant companions, it’s often lost in the profusion of the very plants it nurtures and protects and more often than not, it’s taken for granted.
Do you allow the marigolds in your life to get lost in the crowd of perennials. They can be the true treasures of your day-to-day existence. Because their blossoms aren’t the same color as yours or they aren’t quite as showy as the others doesn’t mean they don’t have beneficial knowledge to impart, even to the perennials who often take center stage.
All of us, like the flowers, have our special assets, our special expertise to bring to every life we touch. Each of us has a place that we can excel. Because a person isn’t the same as you or because they aren’t as comely as the other people in our lives doesn’t mean they don’t have a special something to contribute to the rest. What a shame it would be not to take advantage of such treasures.
Look around you. Do you see the marigolds? Are they being recognized for their special talents? Or are they still hiding, just there? Yes, right there, in the shadow of the sturdier stems of the stronger or beneath the colorful petals of the more attractive or being silenced by unfounded prejudice.
And all you marigolds, don’t be afraid to step into the sun and show your colors. To grow, we all must keep learning and understanding. We need your help and your special talents to do that or we will soon become the weed that is wrench from the flower bed. Share your wisdom and help keep those nasty insects called indifference and prejudice away. Gardens tended with love will flourish.
Blessings,
Diva Elizabeth
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