Early morning of Jan. 14, I was about to water the few plants that I have infront of my apartment when I noticed that the plant I threw two weeks ago (which now mingled with garbage and some decaying materials and elements) seemed to be “alive”. While the leaves still looked withered and dead, there were flowers in bloom — which really surprised me a lot — because when I threw it, it had definitely no flowers, only the dried-up shrivelled leaves attached to its emaciated stem.
The sight of this surviving plant made me reflect. This plant that doesn’t “think.” it doesn’t take ‘moral support’ from anyone (or anything) telling it to “have hope,” to “persevere despite hardships and trials,” and to “hang on to dear life” since it was thrown out/killed. Still, it tried very hard to survive and be with the living again. This plant that doesn’t worship any God and doesn’t pin its existence on any higher Intellect, willed itself to live.
So how come we humans — who have God-given intelligence, with families who give us support and prop us during times of tribulations in our lives, who have a God who is forever-loving, forever-providing, and forever-merciful — cannot seem to survive even in the midst of small trials, always fearful of facing life’s tests, and always eager to run away from the burdens of human existence?
While staring at the plant, it made me realize how lacking in strength and fortitude we human beings are. It also made me realize that it doesn’t take too much intelligence or understanding for anyone to survive — just the “will to live” and the dauntless resolve to skirmish with life’s battles.
My immediate reaction as I looked at the “seemingly alive” plant was to take it away from its filthy surroundings and return it to my garden so that it can continue living. Yet, the experimental side of me said I should leave it where it is and see if it can survive without care and without the proper elements necessary for an organism to pull through. I know it sounds sadistic but I wanted to know if it can endure and continue existing despite its pitiable conditions.
Its been more than a week now, and the plant is still alive. I tried talking to someone who is knowledgeable about plants, and told him of what I did and what I discovered. He said it depends on the kind of plant, and how it is positioned when thrown. He further told me it also depends on the size of the plant at the time it is discarded.
I did not pursue the gathering of information. It was enough for me to know that a plant that is considered “dead” and thrown away to rot with the other elements of the earth still has a chance to live.
The same way that a human being — with all her capabilities, having all the support of family and friends, and the help and guidance of a living God — has all the opportunities to better her life even when conditions are not good nor conducive and supportive of her aspirations.
My point is: there is always goodness even in the midst of bad things. There is always hope even when all around us is utter despair. There is life even in the midst of garbage, filth, and decay.
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