Living up to its name

  A lot of folks do not realize that most flowers can symbolize different virtues or moods. Different color flowers mean different things. This representation is probably most noted in the rose.  Florists will tell you that the red rose "means" true love.  A yellow rose when given shows friendship.  A pink rose shows grace.  And so on.  This symbolization is evident in other flowers as well.  An iris is the symbol of hope.  

  This morning, I went out to find one of my large irises toppled by some critter.  Evidently during the night, a raccoon or perhaps a coyote decided to trample about in the garden and the iris was obviously in the way! Down went my lovely iris just before the bud opened.  I was so looking forward to this iris blooming as it was one that Pop had given to me years ago.  Seeing it trampled was a tad disappointing to say the least.  

  By midmorning, however, the bud opened into a gorgeous bloom.  The deep, royal purple and touches of gold caught me by surprise.  Though covered with sand, the bloom was something to behold.  I thought of how appropriately the iris held up its symbolization.  Hope was shining through even though the odds were against the bud from ever opening. Yep, sometimes flowers truly can represent virtues. Maybe, just maybe, we could learn a lesson from this common flower.  Strive forward even through the worst of times.  Have hope.  Never give up as things will look differently in the morrow.