Appreciating Plants

 Upon entering the store, I noticed how instantly I felt inspired, and uplifted. I guess I hadn't experienced that in a while.  For pretty much the whole school year, I felt I was merely surviving and low on inspiration, encouragement and feeling uplifted sometimes more than others. It felt dry and a desperation for something more, I don't know- more meaning, fruitfulness, engagement, purpose to put into words. 

I noticed at this craft store, I felt creative and hopeful again, with a vision and purpose. Even just being around ideas, possibilities of creating brought his about. While my mom was in the fabric section, I noticed how many plants and greenery there were. I took it all in, in small, calm breaths and I noticed how deeply I felt deprived of seeing plants, of greenery, of life. 

The school I had worked at had very little trees and plants and the ones that were there were mostly on the perimeter of the school. Though late in spring, I became aware of trees right outside the main classroom I was in each day, and plants and flowers blooming after the rainy season. It felt like a small ray of hope, and life amidst the dreariness and hard parts some days. 

Now I see it as a God theme- with dryness, a dry well, life, and greenery forging- my classroom now is full of life- with the theme being plants and greenery, and some real plants as well, to lively and active students. 

This season feels very different than the last. I appreciate it so much more because of the one I was in and felt like a very long, hard one. I was more prepared for this one, its blessings, lessons, and many graces, and the story that only God could write and provide. It feels like entering into that craft store at the beginning of summer, everything in full bloom.