Asparagus Bean Flower – Simply Beautiful
August 16, 2008 – 7:44 am
Waking up very late this morning, I stumbled outside to let the dogs out and take my pic of the day. My tired eyes resisted focusing. A little coffee and a good stretch later, I was caught by this little bloom. It was simply beautiful. (Amazingly, the beans from this tiny flower grow 3 feet long. It is the Asparagus bean plant.)
Photographing this little gem got me thinking about that term, simply beautiful. Often we use terms out of habit rather than out of careful consideration. But words really do matter. They can make or break a well-intentioned interchange. They can welcome or they can push away.
When I first moved to Charleston, my words (and my tone) gave me away as a Yankee. People drew back when I opened my mouth. They thought me rude and too frank when all I wanted was to get my point across. But think about that statement – get my point across. I envision a violent scene.
After years of practice, I’d like to think that today my words are chosen and delivered more carefully. And as a result, my relationships with others have strengthened. So now, when I say things, people want to reply because they are invited to do so.
What about you? I challenge each of you to watch the responses you get from others, especially strangers, when you say something. Rather than respond, just notice, just for today. You may be amazed.
But be careful, awareness can be addictive.
