Watching things grow is good for the soul—reminding me of how nature unfolds in just the right way and time. We can’t rush the process, no matter what we do. Some things grow almost at the speed of time-lapse photography. Other times, it’s more like a waiting and wondering game. Will those seeds ever sprout and grow? Will that barren bush ever bloom? I question my green thumb when things don’t grow according to plan, my plan and my timetable. Observing nature teaches me about things I need to take to heart, especially when I forget.

Years ago, I planted a hydrangea bush in memory of my father. It was in glorious full bloom that first spring. The following year I eagerly awaited the display of showy blossoms both for their beauty and for the symbol they represented. Lush leaves emerged but not one bud. I tended that bush carefully, weeding, watering and fertilizing it. Next season, I waited again for the buds to appear. I was certain they would for I had invested time, energy and effort. Surely I would get the reward. Once again, that barren bush bushwacked my desires.

I asked the garden center what else I could do. “Have patience,” they said.” Sounds like you’re doing everything right.” If I was doing everything right, why wasn’t that darn bush blooming? And so it went. Season after season, year after year, Every spring hydrangeas were in full profusion everywhere, laden with so many flowers they drooped to the ground. Just not in my yard. I dubbed my flowerless hydrangea, my “patience plant.” It had gorgeous, glossy leaves but never a bud for a blossom to grow.

What was I doing wrong? Sure looked healthy and should bear beautiful blossoms. I didn’t give up for I believed that bush would have to eventually blossom. In fact, I was sure of it because I was giving it attention and begging it to bloom. I even talked to it and asked for a little divine intervention. After all, my dad was never long on patience, maybe this was a test!

Finally, all that time, energy and patience paid off—a miracle appeared this spring. Adorning the very top of my “patience plant,” was one regal purple blossom, the long-awaited, crown jewel of patience! To me, it symbolized the power of perseverance and doing what it takes to create success, even without success in sight.

In the garden of life, sometimes success does sprout right away. You make a sale. Get the date. Land the contract. Get the job. Other times when you’re not reaping any harvest from all your time and effort, you may wait and wonder. You may question your ability. You may doubt that what you desire will ever materialize. You might be tempted to give up. You have the patience and faith to keep your goals in sight and to hold on to as you work toward the fulfillment of your dreams. Whether you are seeking understanding, healing, prosperity, or harmony in your life, you can know that progress towards your goal is taking place.

Think of everything you do as a seed of possibility. You plant seeds with every connection. You plant seeds expressing your talent. In so doing, others observe it and become known from your skills. You plant seeds and nurture the possibilities, tending your goals and dreams with unwavering belief that they will bloom into reality.

P.S. While I love to watch my garden grow, I’m investing more energy these days watering seeds of prosperity. The garden is now a grazing field for the deer and another lesson of letting go!