Earlier this week, on my way to my next-door-neighbor's house, it must have been an angel who pointed out this hidden beauty. A purple orchid peeked out from under the branches of a tree. With a cheerful greeting, I counted five swollen pods, pregnant with a promise of more exquisite orchids in the future. A purple orchid symbolizes royalty, and admiration and are traditionally given as a sign of respect.
"The orchids grow in the woods and they let out their fragrance even if there is no one around to appreciate it. Likewise, men of noble character will not let poverty deter their will to be guided by high principles and morals." --Confucius
The elegant translation of the quote: "Orchids grow where others cannot, enduring hardships of hunger and thirst and is loosely tied to the things that support it. And, even with all the difficulty of its life, the orchids grace the world with beautiful color and rare fragrance. This is like the life of a true gentlemen who sets himself to learn self-discipline, and whose character shines no matter where he is or what he experiences."
I was thankful for the orchid's uplifting angel message. It applies to each of us as we bloom where we are planted. And, the cheerful purple orchid's burst of energy got me stirring in the garden, weeding and pruning, after a long dry spell.
Love and peace,
Rae Karen
