Forget-Me-Not
Courtesy of Sabine Ojeil unsplash.com
This lovely little flower has flat, five-lobed petals in blue, pink or white with yellow centers. A German legend claims that God named all the plants, when a tiny unnamed one cried out, “Forget-me-not, O Lord!” And God replied, “That shall be your name.”
I feel like that small spring blossom sometimes, especially as I grow older. Looking around me at the grocery store, the fitness center, in church pews, and at the movie theater it seems everyone I notice is younger than I am. Of course that’s not entirely true. There are a few gray heads here and there (some blue ones too!) but the majority of people from twenty to fifty run the world now. Even my kids are slipping into the downside of middle age. All three are in their fifties.
How can this be? Didn’t I just carry them home from the hospital, see them off to Kindergarten with tears in my eyes, watch them graduate from high school and college just yesterday, give them away in marriage to their sweethearts and then attend the births of their own children and now their children’s children. Riches beyond measure.
Oh God, forget me not as I grow older. Life is ebbing away too fast for me to keep up with. On the other hand what a life I’ve had–filled to the brim as you promised in John 10:10 “My purpose is to give you life in all its fullness.” And you certainly have for which I am so grateful.
I love this, Karen. I hope your growing older experience will continue to be a blessing. I also want you to know you played a big part in my later years of writing by your excellent teaching.
I wonder the meaning behind bachelor buttons, pussy willows, daffodils etc.I love all flowers, even the lowly thistle.
Stay well.
Thanks for sharing your kind comment, Marie. I continue to admire you for all that you have endured and yet you have carried on with writing and growing and staying close to the Lord. I’m so happy to know I played a part in your career.
I’m “with you”, Karen. I also can say:”what a life I have had” AND I am still having a good life at almost 92! I hope I never get too old to thank God every day for my many blessings and for being able to see all of His beauty in the flowers, blue sky, white clouds WELL there is no stopping point when it comes to God’s gifts to me each and every day. So what if I cannot do the things I used to do, there are still “things” I CAN do and for that I am grateful. I found a little tiny ‘weed’ that looked like a flower in my yard one day(about 15 years ago or more) when I was feeling bad and I brought it in the house, studied it and was amazed at how beautiful God made this weed!I put it in my Journal and it is still there and has kept it’s beautiful colors. He made “us” beautiful in HIS sight too, so that is something I should always remember and be glad!
Thanks, Dear. Love, Margaret
I agree with your lovely comment, Margaret. We ALWAYS have something to be grateful for–even in tragedy–since God uses every detail for ultimate good. I find so much joy in flowers. How cool I married a man with the name FLOWERS. 🙂 I have roses in my yard that Charles planted. They are still blooming and every time I look at them I think of him and his love for gardening–just like his father who grew roses throughout his retirement years.
How I love to read your posts. You always inspire me and help me to always count my blessings. It brings me so much joy and comfort when I read your posts and also the posts of the other dear women. Thank you for being such an important part of my life. I love you.
Sandy
Thank you, Sandy. It’s a blessing to me to know that my writing inspires you.
Lovely post, Karen. It’s so helpful to be thankful for the gifts in our life, especially as we age and lose some of our energy (although yours is still going strong!) as well as the color of our hair! You are a wonderful model of looking at life through a thankful lens. Thank you! Blessings.
Thank you, Carol. Your kind words mean a lot to me.
Hi Karen,
I was skimming through my emails today and saw yours. I immediately booted your post. I am very glad that I did. Deja vu. I have been thinking this way since I reached the 3/4 century mark. I’m not worrying about it but as a human-being, I can’t help think about my longevity. I’m not worried, because I know where I am going. I think about all the birthdays I’ll miss, the anniversaries, births, troubles that need help, and etc. So your blog hit home with me. It was short, sweet, and succinct. There is a saying, for me anyway, which says, “When you’re young, you think there’s plenty of time, and then there’s not.” From little – 40, who thinks about the end? I sure didn’t. But here it is, knocking on my door. I’m including in my legacy book for the kids, a page telling them if there’s something they want to do, do it. If there’s someplace they want to go, go. And many more. In other words, I tell them that life is way too short, LIVE IT! With no regrets. Sorry for carrying on Karen, but you hit a soft-spot here in Port Angeles, Washington. (A legacy book for our children is a great idea I think. My youngest son prompted me to write something. I had thought about it for quite a while and do not know why I never started one. I KICK myself for not talking with mom and dad before they passed about their lives, where they’ve been, what they accomplished, things that interested them, and etc. I am saddened that I didn’t. What a blessing for us three that could have been. but it’s done, onward. If I don’t do this for them before I pass, they will not know who they are or from where they came. God bless you sister, long time mentor, and friend. Have a blessed day. You can feel very proud of what you will leave behind, not only your family, but for us out here. (Sorry for the word “very.” LOL.
Thank you, Jim. It’s always good to hear from you. Yes, leaving a written legacy for our kids is a real gift. I wrote a memoir of my early life for my three at my youngest daughter’s request and they loved it. Like you, I wish I had asked my parents more questions. Both came from such difficult backgrounds, though, they were reluctant to talk about their childhoods. Congratulations on reaching 75. I hit 81 this year so I’m more conscious now of end times, but still living each day the best I can. Thank you for your good words about my contribution to my readers. You can be proud of what you will leave too. God bless you friend.
Thank you so much for your heartwarming words Karen. It made me warm all over and it brought back memories of my family’s past and how wonderful it has been.
Judi, what a lovely comment. I’m so grateful to hear that you have warm and happy memories of your family.
Thank you Karen for that timely blog. I can’t say I have seen a
forget-me-not flower in person. Although I have embroidered many. It does bring back family memories. Some difficult and some very touching and wonderful. Such is life. I soon will be 80 in December. But I don’t feel like it, although my body does remind me once in a while. I am ever so grateful for the many blessings I have had. God has been very gracious and good to me.
Blessings to you, Karen
Thank you for your share, Joan. Welcome to the 80s. I turned 81 this year. Like you I am focusing on the many blessings I receive daily. I appreciate your staying in touch with me.