On Being Gardeners, Butterflies, and Bees

This summer, I found fulfillment in watching bees and butterflies feed from the flowers I grew from seed in the spring.

I found joy in feeding my loved ones apple crisp, banana bread, cucumber salad, everything fresh.

I was happiest walking with him, lying in the sun, absorbing their energies.

And, I think now, this is how the world should be. Our greatest accomplishments should be found in nurturing and nourishing the living beings around us–all forms of life, our friends.

If we’d only let ourselves, we would all be able to take immense joy in prompting a smile, giving a hug, and cultivating warmth. Like with all plant life, if we nurture them, they nurture us.

We are all gardeners growing grapes and making jam. Giving and receiving.

We are all butterflies, taking delight in our surroundings and making the landscape that much more beautiful.

And, we are all bees, creating life and sustenance. We have the power to sting, yes, but we find that we can better enjoy life if no one is harmed, on our side or theirs.

It’s just too easy to be kind, to grow happy. Yet, for some reason, so many of us choose to loathe the soil, the sun, and the hands that help us.

Let’s not do that.

Let’s choose love.