The magnificently beautiful Hibiscus flowers live only one day but in all their glory. And so should we. I am still so full of wonder the day I lived life while passing by this beauty of nature numerous times. I had little time for anything else, much less trying to smell this flower. On this day nature was quite wild with thunderstorms, harsh sun and all manner of strong winds. But I am still in awe as I noticed how it lived so wondrously exuberant with everything that life could offer it and what it could offer the world. It offered its joyous display then it was gone. But, the Hibiscus bush promptly did it all again the very next day.
Live life like the brilliant Hibiscus flower.
Life Of The Hibiscus Flower
The Hibiscus is a very common road side bush in many tropical countries. I used to live and travel in many of these Asian places where the Hibiscus flower is often displaying its beauty all year round. Only the people who took the time to actually pay attention to its display would realise their fantastic beauty and life lesson. This was one such day where for some reason, some all knowing entity decided to make it a lesson of life for me.
As the sun dawns red, I was already having breakfast in this beautiful hotel lined by many of the best flowering bushes known to man. By the restaurant window I noticed several Hibiscus bushes beside the rather quiet street. Among several buds, one in particular appeared to be beginning to bloom. Red petals were beginning to peep from the protective green sheath which was the bud. Yet, it appears, people simply walked by without paying any attention to it. It was still early in the morning but already some ants were there feeding on the sweet smelling droplets that had gathered on the opening bud.
By mid-morning as I returned to the hotel from some shopping, I noticed the flower was starting to gain more attention in the strengthening sunshine. Strong winds were blowing but its now half open bloom still attracted more flies and even a honey bee. But everyone who passed by was in such a hurry. No one noticed or cared.
High noon and this is probably the very first time I took a very close look at this Hibiscus flower in all its glory. There was a little bird that buzzed through it collecting sweet nectar. Bees came and went. Ants danced in and out quickly as flies darted in and then out with amazing frequency. All the while, this brilliant red flower dazzled in the bright sun. Admittedly, I was wilting under the blazing heat but this flower opened even wider and displayed ever more brilliantly.
Then as quickly as the sun appeared, heavy rain clouds commanded the sky and a heavy thunderstorm rained down its deluge for about half an hour. As I completed my lunch, cowering in the hotel I spied the flower still hanging on fully open. I was amazed at its stubbornness to live its life to the fullest. Strong winds followed as leaves and branches broke off trees. Yet, this game Hibiscus flower opened a little bigger this time.
Petals now measured almost eight inches across with brilliant scarlet showing the world it has survived the storm and is showing what it can be as the sun again shone upon its greatness. Off I went to an afternoon appointment. Upon my return, it was already the later part of the afternoon as I wondered what other glories this magnificent flower has to show me.
But to my near dismay, it was starting to darken its shade of brilliant scarlet and shrink a little. I thought that it may be just going to sleep for the night as many flowers do. As I was enjoying late afternoon tea with a friend, I noticed that all the birds and insects paid it no attention. Even the butterfly that visited it so often earlier ignored it. Its petals were closing as if gone to sleep.
Needless to say, I was now curious and walked out to take a closer look. And there, just as I approached, the closed petals fell off the bush onto the ground. I was surprised and picked it up to take a closer look. I suddenly missed that glorious display of vibrant defiance regardless of the weather. I wanted it to continue living and showing the world what it could be.
As I put it back onto the bush from whence it came, I spied a bud right beside it appearing to be ready for tomorrow’s show. Then I understood this wondrous and magnificent lesson. I envied this magnificent Hibiscus flower. It lives for all its worth regardless of what the world has in store for it. It makes no excuses regardless of any challenges that would make anyone wilt under the pressure. This beauty shows off its very best it can and live for today and lives again the very next day. I couldn’t help but shed a tear of thanks for the fallen flower but offered it the blessing for the very next day.
Cool article. I just finished up looking at Hibiscus flowers for a project I am working on and I came across this article in my timeline. Coincidence. I think not. Many blessings!!!
Thank you for your comments. Show me your Hibiscus plants or a photo of the flowers when you’re done with the project. And good luck with it.