It all started with this one leaf. The plant was acting up. My Philodendron which bloomed throughout the winter and spring, was now withering in summer.
Within weeks it all shriveled.
“Why would you survive the harsh winter then refuse to thrive now?”
I kept being nice to it but since it was determined to die, I tossed it out.
However, on an impulse; I went outside and picked off the only surviving leaf. Popped it inside a tiny bottle without any expectations. Merely curious to see what happens.
Then weeks later I saw it! Another leaf was sprouting. Then another.
Surprise was the pleasant emotion I felt. Hope surged in me. My £8 investment of 2023 was compounding into a 2nd-generation wealth. A great feeling considering I had written it off as a sunk cost.
Meanwhile, as I watched the leaves sprout, I noticed something else. Through the clear bottle, I saw the roots lengthen. While the roots grew downwards, the leaves sprang upwards.
And one day while standing there staring at it, I heard
“That is how the human mind is”
“hun?” I whirled
“Yes. Your mind. One thought at a time. Casually dropped in, ignored, neglected or forgotten still it takes root. It expands and no matter how much you pretend it is not there, it burrows deep into your fertile heart”
“Wow, wow, back off. How did I get into this transaction now?”
“What you see this plant replicating, is how your mind works”
I gave it sometime as I chewed over the analogy. Truly, there is no careless remark. The enemy of my soul understands this game better than I do. Which is why he is subtle with the suggestions -images, sounds, touch, tastes, thoughts – all expertly seeping into your fertile ground.
Nevertheless, you ignore it and pretend it never happened. Still it digs in, rooting, sprouting, competing for space.
Thereafter, I changed the plan. No more transplanting into a pot. I wanted it daily before my eyes. As a reminder to check my own field. What is being carelessly tossed into it by every interaction? Which ones am I letting to sink? what ones will I tear out?
Therefore, each time I pass through the kitchen, I am reminded to check my roots.
#roots #battlefield #values #intentionality #strategic
One Comment