The Orchid & The Begonia

For many years I had a passion for orchids, loved them, nurtured them, spent endless hours tending to them, and watched them grow, with great pride . Each time a floral spike came up, I waited with much anticipation to see the splendid bloom. 

Then as time went by, my interest dwindled and the orchids were neglected. They wilted and waned, one by one, and over the years faded away . Sad, you may say, but I realised, things that demanded too much attention, is really not worth the time . 

One day when out on a stroll, I saw a plant on the wayside. It was no exotic orchid or any fancy flower, but just a simple, robust begonia, displaying its brilliant colours.  Fascinated, I requested a small cutting and carried it home . Planting it in a couple of small pots, I did not expect it to propagate. 

But today, I am amazed to see the abundance of this lovely, yet humble plant. With not much ministration , except daily watering, the plant had grown in spectacular profusion, its colours brilliant and riveting. There were no frequent supplements to support it, nor any special care, but that didn’t deter the plant from growing vibrantly .

Then came to mind the moral of the story ,an allegory. The orchids are like the treasures of this world that we chase in the pursuit of happiness , which is hard to attain, and we soon see the futility. With the passage of time, we realise ,that it is not the worldly, but the Spiritual blessings that are constant, and it comes to us easily, when we choose to lead a life in the presence of the Almighty.