Tuesday, May 29, 2012

Life's Encore

Encore azaleas are my favorite perennial flowering shrubs.  The warm days of spring call them forth from their winter slumber into a glorious display that lasts for weeks.  As the last days of summer heat wind down and trees turn red, orange, and yellow, the Encores put on another show. "Look at me" they seem to say as other summer flowers are in their last hurrah. Isn't life like that?  We start out in our youth with fresh idealism. The world is our oyster and we are going to make it a better place. Our careers will be rewarding and profitable. We are going to do a better job than our parents in our marriages and raising our children. Time stretches before us in a long unbroken line like a railroad track heading west through the plains.  Then life happens. The reality of unfulfilled dreams, chronic illness, family strife, and broken promises intrudes and we are left wondering what happened.  We struggle to find meaning in life and strength for each day.  Our pain causes us to look for the still small voice of God and we are renewed. Our life experiences teach us and we find we are strong. As we approach the fall of our life, we have a measure of freedom to be the person we always wanted to be.  There seems to be a bit more time to pursue new hobbies and interests.  Others appreciate our wisdom learned in the school of hard knocks. It is our chance to make an encore and bloom one more time..  

9 comments:

  1. Love it Frieda! You offer hope with a touch of whimsy. Blog on girl!

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  2. So glad you are blogging! You have wonderful things to share, I already know. You are a walking inspiration! Looking forward to keeping up with your posts here.

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  3. So proud of you, Frieda! I recently planted some Encore azaleas and loved your analogy. Your blog looks and sounds beautiful.

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  4. Freida,I am impressed with both of your writings, and can certainly agree with all of it. I love the enthusiasm and positive thinking about life as it is now in REALITY! It would be easy to reflect on all the negative "past" experiences. But instead you are able to inspire me to look at the here and now, and realize life has never been any better than it is right now! Its never too late to "bloom". Keep up the good work!

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  5. Frieda - Thank You
    Your analogy is beautiful and inspiring.

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  6. Great writing Frieda! Life's Encore is encouraging and inspiring.

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  7. Love your writings Freida. I'll be following your blog.

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  8. Atta girl. I have enjoyed reading all three of your blogs. You have a way with words. Keep up the interesting blogs.
    Shirley

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  9. Good writing. Enjoying your blog

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