This flower appears once a year for a very short time.
Cactus Flower Sighting – July 1, 2024
I have a habit of opening the front door and taking a breath of fresh air every night before going to bed. On the first night of July, I opened the door as usual, and got a pleasant surprise. The cactus flower was blooming!
Even though I was already in my pajamas and quite tired from a long day, I went outside for a closer look. This flower is so fleeting – like an eclipse or a rainbow. You have to take it in while you have the chance.
Suffering for Art
This plant is very low to the ground, and I had to get down on my knees to get a better angle. I didn’t mind the back pain (a chronic problem for me) or the possible embarrassment if someone walked by and saw this old lady in her pajamas, kneeling before a cactus! That night I felt like a real photographer.
Musings on this Flower
By the next day it was already starting to wilt. I was so glad I took the time to experience it in its prime. What else could this make us think about? I think most of us are pretty good at taking time for rainbows when they appear. What about small children who beg for our attention? When we catch a glimpse of a fleeting beauty, or a special/sacred experience, do we take time to allow it to soak in and become part of us? Or do we just let it float over us and miss the lasting effect?
Consider the Lilies
Luke 12:27 “Consider how the lilies grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you, not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. 28. If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, how much more will he clothe you, O you of little faith!”
