A Year of Gratitude – June 4, 2024

Today I was grateful for a flower that put a smile on my face. That might sound like an odd reason for gratitude, but I’ll take gratitude wherever it presents itself to me.

I had just finished watering the garden when I turned and saw this beautiful purple and white iris. We have many different varieties of iris in our gardens, but this one is so unique. I love the white edges on its petals. They’re so striking.

When I looked down at this bloom to enjoy it, the two petals on the top reminded me of a child with open arms, waiting to be picked up. Once I saw it, I simply couldn’t unsee it.

I remember those moments when my children were small. They would stretch out their arms and reach up to me, wanting to be picked up. It’s such a sweet moment for a child to want you to comfort them, to hold them close and help them to feel safe and protected.

Those years are long gone, but I can be filled with love and joy just by thinking of the memory of those years. It’s such difficult work to care for someone you love because you want to do it perfectly. I wanted to do everything right, to do it all without needing help, and to love them completely. Yes, it is difficult work, but it is the very best kind of work I have ever known.

I am thankful that seeing this flower reminded me of how glad I am that I did that work. I don’t regret a single moment of it. While my children are no longer small, I’m so lucky to spend my days with them.

This post is part of our A Year of Gratitude Series. You can find the introduction, inspiration, and entire year’s gratitude’s posts here.