10/25/2023
Once there was a man considered professionally successful. He had his own office where he spent 8 hours every day, sitting at his desk doing very important work. The days got longer and colder, and it occurred to him that his office could use a little brightening up, so he bought a beautiful African violet, with bushy green leaves and deep purple blooms. He put his new plant on prominent display on a table he walked past on his way to his desk, so he could see it every day.
For weeks, the man enjoyed his beautiful plant. He took good care of it, stopping on his way past to water it and occasionally dust the leaves as he said hello.
One day towards the end of a particularly busy month, the man was hurrying to his desk when out of the corner of his eye, he caught a glimpse of his plant, looking a little wilted and dry. Concerned, he watered it, apologized, and to his delight, it sprang back to life.
Time passed, and once again he noticed his plant in need, only this time the once beautiful purple petals were resting on the table, brown and crisp. He quickly took action, moving the pot to the corner of his desk, where it sat in a stream of sunlight. He cared for his plant every day and by spring it was thriving once again.
But the man got busy with his important work, and he stopped watering it daily, which was ok because African violets are pretty hardy when they’re in the right spot. And time went on.
One gloomy day, the man looked around his office and thought it could use a little brightening up. Just then, he remembered the plant and looked at the corner of his desk where it sat. There he saw the pot and the once-blooming violet, now shriveled and brown. He quickly tended to it, offering water and encouragement. But it was too late. The plant was gone.
Relationships are like this. Even the hardiest need regular care.
One day you might look up and realize something once important to you isn't coming back.