Nurturing...

Bism Illah wa assalaamu alaykum wa Rahmatullahi wa Barakatuh.

You know those flowers you see growing along the roadside or in the open fields? You look at them and think they grow naturally, without any human intervention or effort to keep them alive. They thrive in the most unlikely conditions, where other life forms don't thrive.

Sometimes we think of relationships in the same terms as those wildflowers. We think that they will thrive without any effort or maintenance on our part - naturally and in virtually any circumstances. The relationships most often viewed in this way are those of parent and child (from both sides), siblings (brothers and sisters), and spouses (husbands and wives), although it can happen in friendships and work situations as well.

However, those wildflowers cannot survive on nothing. They are not invincible; nor are they self sustaining. They require, at minimum, soil, water, and sunlight. Without those essential life-giving maintainers, they will die.

Do not take your relationships for granted and neglect them. Without sustenance they can suffer, and even die. Even the strongest and most resilient of them still needs nurturing. To this end, I recommend you revisit the posts, "Reach out Today" and "Make That Call." I needed the reminders, perhaps you do too.