Before the Petals Fall

By Ana Borden

Like most mornings, I woke up to make my very early cup of coffee to start my day. But on this particular morning, I found myself staring at a single white rose I had pulled away from the remaining dozen the night before. It had been sagging more than the others, so I trimmed it far lower than the rest and placed it by itself in a small vase.

By the next morning, the outer petals were still grasping on, rejuvenated, as if the separation and attention seemed to revive its strength to continue blooming and showcase its beauty.

In today’s society, being alone is often misconstrued as a sign of weakness or abnormal. Like this rose, sometimes separation is just what we need before our “petals” fall, whether it is a mental break, turning to prayer or adoration or a physical separation leading us to enjoy a walk alone in our neighborhood or a hobby or turning away from vices, things or abuse.

Some need more time than others in solitude to find a voice and peace in their fear through prayer, which is the complete opposite of weakness. Oftentimes, those individuals know themselves more than they reveal, are better listeners and find strength spending more time with “him” in prayers.

Praying, seeking answers through thoughts, finding joy and/or rejuvenating our soul, mind and body are essential and human nature. But being alone, as I see it in this rose, whether by choice or not, is an opportunity to become stronger, to listen with not only our ears but with our hearts and conquer fears and the unknown through prayer.

So, before those petals start falling, let’s learn to hone in to not only our own heart but those of our loved ones. And, let’s recognize that solitude is an opportunity for prayer, penance, finding a healthy balance in our busy lives as well as separating ourselves from unhealthy environments.

He would want that for us even before our “petals” begin to sag.

So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. Isaiah 41:10

Do you find time for solitude?