Photo by The Urban Naturalist
We hiked up a local canyon a few days ago to escape the summer heat and admire the waterfall at the top. The rocky ascent gave shade, cool and respite as hoped.
Once at the top, I noticed sprays of the little yellow flowers pictured above jutting out from among the boulders. If they had been birds, I might have some hope of knowing what they were. But alas, this Urban Naturalist still calls plants by such names as, "those cute little purple ones," and "those little spiky yellow ones."
Still, I had to marvel at the tenacity of these little plants. They appeared so dainty and delicate until I realized the strength and stubbornness it must have taken to press up between those huge, unmoving rocks.
Over the past couple of years, many of my past business associates, friends and family members have struggled to weather the layoffs, housing crunch and general economic pitfalls that are challenging our country. I have been planted in similar hard places.
Planted. It's an interesting word -- one that brings hope when I consider that little bunch of yellow flowers that bloomed in all their glory despite being wedged between the boulders. Nature has so many wonderful and simple ways to show us how to endure the tough times. We need only to take a hike or a walk around the neighborhood and pay attention.
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