April: On Nature

April 10

Today's reflection was inspired by a quote from "The Waste Land" by T.S. Eliot.

When has change or growth ever been simple or painless? Is the scab over your healing wound soft and pleasant, or is it hard and rough, pulling your skin tight beneath it? 

And what of overcoming the loss of a loved one? Does emerging through to the other side of it stronger and wiser, with more love in your heart for them and those still with you not come with endless tears and sleepless nights? 

Any sort of change or growth that is worth a damn has its price. It is part of being human, it is part of growing and aging, it is simply an inevitable part of life. 

Always remember that out of that dead land, your roots will be stirred by the rain, but you will break through to bloom once again, beautiful and strong, ready for the sunshine. Always remember the lilacs are worth the price.

• Reflection title: Lilacs Worth the Price
• Creative inspiration: T.S. Eliot, "The Waste Land"
• Reflection Question: What pain have I experienced that led to personal growth for me? How can I look to nature to remind myself that pain or suffering is not the enemy, but a catalyst for change and growth?