We think of flowers as the purpose of a blooming plant, and the color and scent of a blossom as the truly desirable part of a plant’s life cycle. But what matters to the plant are the seeds that remain after the blossom is gone, for that is where creation resides.
What do you love all the better now that its shine has worn off?
The electric bass that my wife gave me as a third anniversary gift 32 years ago. It was a new ’79 Musicman Sabre bass that had been sitting in the music store for over a year. I went in almost every Saturday to hang around and play that bass. It was way out of reach for us financially, being young and just starting out, but I still admired that instrument so much I could barley put it down. Unknown to me, she had made a deal with the owner and the bass was waiting for me when I walk through the door on our anniversary. I was flabbergasted and overjoyed and worried about how we would pay for it all at the same time. She had taken care of everything and it was mine to keep free and clear.
It has been my main instrument and my workhorse for the past 32 years. It still looks good but some if the shine is gone now and there are a few cracks in the finish. The shine has been replaced by lots of good memories and some serious mojo that can only be acquired through years of good jamming. Some thing just get better with time like fine wine, my ’79 Musicman Sabre bass and my loving wife.
When I was first matched with my service dog, I thought he was adorable and was grateful for how much he helped me. In the six years since, I’ve only grown closer to him. Now his face is white instead of golden, he needs pain and thyroid medication, and he’s retired, but that doesn’t diminish his worth in the slightest.
I thought that my other golden retriever looked a bit funny when I first saw her, partially because her build and expression are so different from my first. I still liked her, but now that I know her, I find her cuter and I loved her more. Her shine hasn’t worn off yet – actually, her fur is shiner and softer than when I got her and she’s better behaved – but I know she will eventually grow old and that I will still love her then.