You see, we were once seeds (someone's prospect). They cared for us, nurtured us, watered and fed us. They gave us all the things we needed to grow and begin to bud. And then, an amazing thing happened- we begin to become too big for our surroundings. We either break out and bloom, because it's too painful to stay where we are, or we shrivel up and die.
Some people are annual plants. They take on a lifecycle, are fed and nurtured and grow through the year, bloom and then pass away. Much like when the business cycle begins to slow down and hit a cold spot, you just shrivel up and move on, thinking- this is it, this is what I came for. I did good, and had a beautiful run- but, it's over now. This is ok. Some people were made to be this way. It's not an ugly thing, it's a natural way. We need these short bursts of life, to help us learn things and enjoy some beautiful moments. They serve a purpose. This is good.
Some people are biennials. They live sort of a dull first year, moving slowly along growing and being nurtured and fed and sort of taking it easy. Then, they have a burst of beauty in their second year- where they bloom and have great success. Then, it just gets sort of burnt out, and dies. This isn't a bad thing. It's ok. We need these sort of people, too. They help us remember to be patient, our time is coming. Be consistent, persistent and stay determined, there will be a bolt of greatness coming, if you can just hang on through the tough times, and bloom in the spring. They too, serve a purpose. This is good.
And some people are perennials. This is a lifecycle that comes back year after year. They grow and are fed and nurtured, and survive the toughest of winters. They keep growing and living, and get these beautiful bursts of blooms each and every year. They survive many winters, many falls, many summers and springs. They bring joy and value to other lifecycles around them. They learn and grow and become survivors. You see, even though the green above the ground may become dead and ugly, the prospector keeps the ground moist, and gives nutrients to the roots. It cares for it's position in the earth, taking care not to mow over it, or build mansions on top of it. The prospector values the beauty it knows is coming, and continues to maintain a strong root system for that perennial. And, sure enough each year, it comes back just as strong and beautiful as before. Because the prospector knows, that he too, is a perennial. And the line of care, is strong and deep. There is a purpose, and this is good.
See, it takes a whole system of people to maintain a line of growth. There must be a well developed and well nurtured line of care. The earth must be fertile, the rains must come, some lives will come and go in short beautiful cycles, and some will come and stay a long while. All are necessary, and all are good. So don't get discouraged by a cold winter. Don't feel bad if you learn you are only an annual. And don't those in your line discourage you. They came for a reason, and they leave more beautiful than when they came. They leave a changed lifeform, ultimately feeding you and creating a stronger, more beautiful you. Take pride in who you are, and what you came to do. There is a reason, and it is good.
Take care of yourself, and take care of those around you. Serve selflessly, and your blessings will come ten-fold.
