Blossom

Written by: Khadeja

For the past two weeks, I have been absolutely mesmerized by such a simple thing. I was given a single rose by a group of young Muslims who were promoting certain hadiths of the Prophet (s). This happened last year as well, but somehow this year the impact was greater. The rose hadn’t fully bloomed when I received it, nor did I expect it to, in all honesty. Yet as soon as I got home, I put the single rose in a slim vase, poured in water, and set it on top of my vanity. It was always in my direct view after I finished praying or when sitting on my bed.

For some odd reason, I became drawn to this rose, to the point that I would just sit there and stare at it. It wasn’t a particularly exotic species of flower, nor did it give off an overwhelming aroma. Still, there was something about it. It stirred something inside of me. Today I realized what that was. As I was staring today, with my mind in a relaxed state, a quote that I had read came to mind:

“Wherever God has planted you, blossom.”

Now it made sense. I was so impressed by how, despite being completely cut-off from its natural environment, my rose continued to bloom. The petals opened up as if it was still in its native soil. I began to think about the commonalities I shared with the rose. I was nurtured and raised in an environment that felt like a sanctuary, surrounded by other roses that were similar to me. As life progressed, I had witnessed roses bloom and blossom at different times. I had even witnessed them progress in their lifespan and start to wilt until all of their petals were on the ground and they wilted away, ceasing to exist. But then when the time came, I was removed from that garden and placed into an environment that felt foreign to me. Despite the changes and all the ups and downs I went through, I can confidently say that I’m beginning to find my roots again.

I have blossomed.