Nurture the Small Things
Do you know what plant yields the smallest seed? The Epiphytic Orchid. Try saying that real fast three times! The Epiphytic Orchid produces seeds that weigh a 35 millionth of an ounce, so small that they are released into the air like dust particles. Compare that to a Mustard Seed which is about 1 to 2 millimeters in diameter. We’ll get back to the Epiphytic Orchid and Mustard Seed in just a minute.
Generally speaking, seeds are small and if you’ve ever looked at one, chances are you would be unable to tell what kind of seed it is. Moreover, with just a glance you would not be able to tell what the seed would turn into. A weed? A tree? A flower? A plant? You would not be able to determine what the seed would bear. Flowers. Vegetables. Fruits. Nuts. Rubber. Tobacco. The possibilities are many.
It would be hard to determine what that seed would become unless you cover it (in soil); feed it (with plant food) and; provide water and sunlight. In other words, nurture the seed, pay attention to it once planted and watch it grow. Eventually, that small seed transforms into something a bit more recognizable which then informs you of what else must be done to cultivate it and enjoy whatever it becomes.
Our relationships could be regarded in the same way. When we enter into a relationship with someone, we may try to predict and yet not be able to determine what that relationship will be unless we nurture it with similar care one gives when nurturing a seed.
When you care for your relationship, you give it an opportunity to grow into something bigger, more meaningful and more gratifying than when you first started. Most important, when you care for your relationship, over time it can become as unique as the Epiphytic Orchid that grows in high elevations, on top of tree canopies giving itself more access to sun and air. Or as unique as the Mustard bush growing up to 30 feet tall and spanning 20 feet wide providing shelter for birds.
Never underestimate the potential of how your relationship can grow. All it takes is a willingness to nurture the seeds in areas of your relationship that may (at present) look small and insignificant.