Temporary Can Be Beautiful Too

I've always found it fascinating how flowers just come and go.

I vividly recall the first time I got a potted flowering plant; they were stargazers. When the buds finally appeared, I remember waking up with so much anticipation every morning! I was never impatient with them because I knew the flowers were worth the wait. They finally bloomed—all three almost on the same day! I was so happy—lottery winner levels of happy!

Then I was off to Singapore (this was in 2018) the day after they bloomed. I wished that the flowers would still be there, waiting, when I came back. But they were all gone. I had expected new buds to form, but instead, the leaves started falling, one by one.

It was eventually explained to me that these flowers “die” and then bloom again after a year. The same thing happened with the sunflowers I grew during the pandemic.

I never truly comprehended what it meant to be deeply moved by beauty until I found myself surrounded by the outrageously vibrant and massive orchids at the National Orchid Garden and the Flower Dome. No words could ever do that moment justice. It was as though God was showing off.

It’s mind-boggling to me how so many people continue to invest their passion, energy, and love into nurturing flowers, fully aware that they will die quickly. After being surrounded by their overwhelming beauty, I now know that they're worth it.

Now I know that it's not about how long they last, but more about savoring the moments while they’re there. And knowing that they will come back again... eventually.