I Came to the Garden Alone
By Haribaldev Kaur
One morning as the sun began to weave its magic in the eastern sky, just before the dew recalled its moisture from the grassy plane, I stumbled upon a treasure so rare hidden beneath the grassy path. To my surprise and amazement, stuck between leaves of tulips and yellow Petunias lay a flower of such exquisite beauty it was far beyond any words I could utter.
As I moved closer as if by magic the petals began to close hiding the beauty and sweetness that lay within. Perhaps, it was testing me, seeing if I would take the time to see what lay beyond the obvious. I was not the first to discover this hidden treasure filled with nectar fit for the gods. I knew this because the tracks of those who came before me could be seen around the garden’s edge. Many strangers did come to look at the miracle of creation. But still the true beauty and sweetness, no one had taken the time to find. They would not or could not spare the time needed for discovery. And so they went away with only a superficial experience.
As I slowly made my way through the grassy edges of the garden, I moved with caution and awe. I was not sure of what I would find. I tried with all my might not to cause any damage, but I was excited at what treasure I might find. I got close enough to touch a petal and something wonderful and indescribable shot through the tips of my fingers and moved its way through my body. I retreated, pulling my hand away abruptly; for I did not want to cause harm to this beauty. I believed that what I had just felt was beyond words and therefore could not be duplicated. At that very moment a small voice whispered into my heart: This is your treasure cove. You have discovered it. Why not find out all that it has to offer?
I listened and gently touched another petal. To my astonishment nectar sweeter than honey flowed from somewhere deep within. It was as if heaven opened its gates to me. It flowed onto my hands, blessing me with gifts beyond comparison. At that moment I knew this treasure was mine. I had discovered something wonderful. It had been long hidden, waiting patiently for my discovery.
Many visited and enjoyed the sights and sounds of this area, but never had they fully partaken of the true delight that was there for the taking. This would have required faith and patience. The ability to see the God-given potential and endless possibilities in all that was there. It had waited long for someone like me to come by. It waited for someone to stumble by and see what Divinity had created.
Like myself I have seen many strangers walk that same path, smiling as we enjoyed the superficial offering that was given. We were quite content with not venturing beyond what was obvious. Like others I too was curious but never cared enough or was brave enough to find out what else might be lurking just beyond the surface. The curiosity came and left so naturally I thought whatever fascination I had with the garden held no real significance to anyone else, so why should I bother? Besides I had other things to do rather than waddle through bushes. I am tempted to say what a mistake that was. I will just say it was not my time for discovery. If I were not ready to appreciate this God-created beauty I may have like all the others trampled the edges, bruised the sides, and left it trampled under my feet, still missing what was there to behold.
Today I am able to appreciate the beauty, even the strange looking grass that covers the edges in their own beautiful way. I looked at this beauty and enticed it to tell me more of its secrets, what it needs, and how I can better serve. A garden that talks...silly, right? It's not so silly. It speaks to me and I listen and comply and by doing so I am afforded many pleasures and beauty beyond my wildest dreams.
My Garden and I are friends forever.
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