Change: “to become different, to replace another.”
Recently a change took place in our backyard view. When we bought our home there was a beautiful, stately saguaro cactus behind our house. I completely enjoyed seeing this cactus each morning. It’s beauty greeted us daily as we had the privilege of waking up to a new day. It housed multiple types of animal life. We had witnessed woodpeckers being born and raised within the cactus as well as countless other life forms utilizing it for housing, food, or recreation. I enjoyed waking up to it and seeing all the beautiful things it brought to the world each day. I appreciated the safe harbor it provided for so many things as it withstood the blistering desert sun.
I’m fascinated with saguaros for a number of reasons. They have a long lifespan, often exceeding 150 years and thrive in arid conditions. They may grow their first side arm any time from 75–100 years of age. Once their arms are grown they begin to look much like a candelabra. They have beautiful white flowers which open after sunset and close in mid-afternoon.
As I looked out my bedroom window one morning I noticed our beautiful saguaro was no longer there. Overnight it was gone. I felt a sense of loss and longing. I had not given much thought to the fact that one day the cactus would disappear. I suppose I always thought it would be there to enjoy.
Over the last several weeks I’ve thought many times about that saguaro. The loss of the saguaro provided a reminder of the temporary aspect of not only our lives, but everything in our lives. It reminded me that it was important to take time to appreciate the many things which bring us joy and pleasure. The things we love, the things which delight our senses, the things which amaze us, the things which nourish our body, mind and soul.
We’ve all heard the expression “change is inevitable.” Many people believe that change is loss. Others believe that change is opportunity for growth. No matter what your thoughts and beliefs about change may be, you’ll be impacted by it. Someone will be born and someone will die, someone will get a job or lose a job, someone will make new friends and lose old ones, body weight will go up or down, health will improve or decline. Countless things will happen to each of us across our lifespan. It’s change. It’s metamorphosis. It’s inevitable.
My stately saguaro reminded me to count my blessings daily and appreciate the people and things which enriched and expanded my life. It also reminded me to understand that thorny, seemingly inhospitable exteriors many times, provide multiple opportunities for life to flourish. It reminded me that everything has an end. I am grateful for these reminders and while I miss its beauty, I know it planted fresh seeds of understanding and acceptance deep in my soul and for that I am forever grateful. May we all live a long life with our arms raised upward while providing solace for each other in a parched and arid world.