Have you ever wondered what helps a Peace Lily bloom?

I’ve been pondering this for the last four years. Several months ago, my forever friend, Terrie, gave me some clues. I’ve had this Lily as a token of the love I had for my brother James, born on 5/19/58 and passed away 6/3/2016. 

This Lily came home with me after we laid his body to rest. I made a promise to myself that this plant was going to live! No house plant has ever been important enough to me to devote the energy needed to keep it alive.

I’m thankful for it’s forgiving nature. So many times I found its beautiful leaves drooping to the floor. But by day’s end, it perked back up, with a gentle, “Thank you!“ But year after year, it never bloomed. 

That day when Terrie and I were chatting, she mentioned how happy she was that her Peace Lily was blooming. Immediately my ears perked up!  “What!?! How do you get your Peace Lily to bloom? I’ve had mine for 4 years and it’s never bloomed.”

“Well, Florene, it has to be happy to bloom!”  That didn’t make any sense to me. As she explained it though, I decided since she was the one with blooming plants and I was not, it was going to be my mission to put her ideas to the test.  She said it needs 3 things; Light, Regular Watering & you need to talk to it.

On March 19, 2020 our world changed, when the Covid 19 Shut Down happened. My tennis work came to a screeching halt!  Our traveling ministers, Suzanne & Mary, hung their hats in our home for the next couple months. As we all settled into our new “normal,“ my Peace Lily came more into focus. Every day I opened the blinds. When it drooped, I watered. I sent it happy thoughts. Then two weeks ago,  “Look, a bloom!” 

During these days of “social distancing“ I have learned many lessons from nature, from conversations, from the death of my dear Daddy, etc.  But my best lessons have come from Above!  The extra time spent reading His word, in meditation and prayer has helped me answer this question: From whence cometh true happiness?

1. Taking time to look to God’s son, Jesus, who is light for my soul.

2. Spending time reading His word, which is water for my soul.

3.  Talking to Him, listening for direction, which brings rest for my soul.  When my soul is at rest, then comes true joy and happiness!

Today, on James’s birthday, the one Lily bloom is completely unfurled, waving gently in the breeze. 

As I wait and wonder where this tennis journey is going to take me next, I’m sitting here with complete confidence today, that in due time, my Heavenly Father will let me know! By Coach Flo Miller 5/19/2020