The Morning Glory vine is blooming! I've waited all summer for this glorious display. The smaller vine growing down the fence erupted in blossom soon after planting, while this first plant became all leaf and curly tendril. I'm grateful for the smaller plant's eager blossoms, but this huge, heavy vine blooming now, in late September, deeply touches me.
Through out the summer, I trimmed the exhuberant foliage back as it grew over the walk and into my flower pots. As I trimmed, I resisted impatience or thoughts of this non-blooming plant being a waste. Instead, I found joy in the abundance of green, the vine's wild abandon, and my own contentment in the hope of blossom.
This month I saw the first tight spirals of developing buds. Today, blooms sprinkle the hearty vines, and I'm thrilled with the delayed blessing. I curiously notice my happy response; rather than sadness in the lateness of the season, or fear of frost,I simply enjoy what is on display right now. Perhaps life experience has taught me clinging and fearing steals joy from the present. Perhaps I'm more gracious in my own life stage, believing it's never too late to bloom. No matter how imminent death seems, blooming is always timely and beautiful.
The morning glories invite me to reflect: what in me is waiting to bloom? What in me is ready to bloom but can't break through my resistance? Am I patient with whatever growth is presenting, in myself, in life, in others? Am I content with the promise of bloom? Am I forcing anything because I fear time is running out? Do I struggle with my own importance, needing to see the blossoms, or can I prune and fertilize and let go, simply waiting, or entrusting others to tend whether or not I witness the grand unfolding? Do I celebrate my own blossoming? Do I let go with abandon when 'the buds' can no longer be contained?
Hope, whether in promise or in reality, is beautiful. And, beauty is always worth the wait.
Joyfully,
Sharon
