Post Image
A while ago I planted some flowers, now my love for plants is a story for another day, but I was going through a difficult time in my life and needed to get my mind off things, so I went back to something I have always loved, gardening. Now that’s the only other thing that competes with my love for books, (Oh, I love books, the way they smell, the feel on my fingers when I flip through the pages, my o my). Anyway, back to my story. So I planted some flowers, many of them actually, but the one I want to speak about is the hibiscus. The hibiscus is a very feminine flower, beautiful and very tender and it’s usually given or worn by women. In North America especially, a hibiscus means a perfect wife or woman. So I happened to have planted two different colors of hibiscus in the same pot, I tended and nurtured them both the same way, as a matter of fact, I named them Carrie and Carren being twins. Within one week of planting, Carren, the pink one, started to bloom and brought forth such beautiful flowers and my greatest joy was to look through my bedroom window daily and behold such beauty.
Carren
Then I started to wait for Carrie to bloom, days passed, it has to happen soon I thought to my self. Same plant, same pot, same food, and yet one was blossoming and the other wasn’t. I even spoke to Carrie more than I spoke to Carren (yes, I speak to my plants. and no am not mad). Anyways, as the weeks flew by and months ended and began, I got wary and impatient with Carrie. At a time I even forgot I had co-planted. I looked forward to uploading my lovely Carren on Instagram and Facebook and completely gave up on Carrie. Today, I woke up feeling a bit down and disillusioned about life, that I was not all I felt I could be (don’t blame me, life happens). I was wondering if I have really bloomed as a wife, mother, lawyer, believer and all the other tags we choose to identify ourselves with. I had given my all to my husband and children and kept wondering if I will ever bloom like the many others that I started life who seemed to have blossomed. After all, we are in the same country, confronted by the same issues, why are they like Carren and I, stagnant like Carrie? Too many questions. I looked out of my bedroom window, as usual, expecting to see my Carren in all her beauty, but to my greatest shock, I see something I wasn’t expecting. I rush out still in my nightwear, HD (husband dear) hurrying after me and in the commotion, my children too, all thinking the worst. Outside, just right there, in the very same pot, is Carrie in all her magnificent beauty. She bloomed, finally! But then it dawned on me, there was never a competition between Carrie and Carren.
Carrie
Yes, both are hibiscuses, created to be feminine, beautiful and tender. In some parts of the world, they are even referred to as being one with God, because of their beauty and what they represent. But there was and will never be any competition between them. So I say to every woman, and that includes me by the way, you will bloom, it’s not a cliché or a feel-good statement, no! It’s a fact as sure as morning and night are, you will bloom. When and how is not up to you to decide. Just keep doing what you have to and must do. Tend your home, raise your children. Be intentional about personal and self-development. Never excuse laziness and when you have done all that, remember that one day when the time is right, you will bloom. Just like Carrie, you will have your moment and nothing is more fulfilling than waiting for your appointed time. Through my tears, I took Carrie’s pictures and was reminded again that He makes all things beautiful, in His time.
You might also like:
This article was first published on 8th October 2017

ifyobi

Ifeoma C. Ik-Obi is a lawyer and a member of the Nigerian Bar Association with over thirteen years’ experience. She is a certified etiquette trainer and has facilitated trainings geared towards the development of Children, Teens, and Organizations in understanding the fundamentals of etiquette and good communications skills. An avid enthusiast of the arts, she is also an interior decorator and well... a writer of course. A wife and mother of five lovely children, she personifies work-life balance and believes her role as a wife and mother tops all other roles. She loves reading and gardening.

Comments (23)

23 thoughts on “MOMS’ CORNER: The Right Time to Bloom”

  • Ope Komolafe

    Beautiful piece. Very inspiring sis!!!

    Reply
  • Akpagbula Damaris

    Beautiful piece. You forgot you also make beautiful weaves(wigs). Thanks plenty. ..I’m wearing the one you so graciously gave me.

    Reply
  • Uka Precious

    Well laid out thoughts. I’m strengthened by these words and motivated to keep at what I’m doing as I know my time will come regardless of what it looks like right now

    Reply
  • Garrick

    Lovely write up.

    Reply
  • Nneka Offor

    Awesome!!!
    “Be intentional about personal and self development.” was my aha moment.
    Keep it up ma.

    Reply
  • Maggie

    This is beautiful, aunty Ify. This came at the right time cos lately I’ve been feeling overwhelmed by God’s call on my life. Now, I’m encouraged. Thank you for sharing this.

    Reply
  • AMARACHI

    This is a beautiful piece and I totally agree with you. There is no completion in life for God make all things beautiful in its time. Good job.

    Reply
  • Ose

    One day when the time is right… You will bloom…

    Reply
  • Nneka Ezedum

    Well written! Very inspiring. Waiting for my time to bloom.

    Reply
  • Tuaks

    Very inspiring. Truly, there’s no competition in life.

    Reply
  • Chioma ANYANWU

    God makes all things beautiful in his time. I am really inspired .Keep more coming.

    Reply
  • Chioma ANYANWU

    I am really inspired .Keep more coming.

    Reply
  • Nne

    This was an emotional piece. Thank you so much for pouring out these words that God has put in you. Thank you.

    Reply
  • Dureke .N

    Beautiful !!!!
    Very motivational.

    Reply
  • Mercy umeh

    Be intentional about your personal development and wait for your time. God bless you aunty Ify

    Reply
  • Chinyere Emeka- Uka

    Thank you so much for giving me answers to my many questions in this season of my life. God bless you Sis!

    Reply
  • Chichi Ekwom

    Beautiful!

    Reply
  • SophiaNd

    This write-up made my day. Thank you very much ma for this inspiration. You personally spoke to me. I’m grateful

    Reply
  • Chinwe E.

    Awesome! Very inspiring!! Go girl!!!

    Reply
  • Moses ifeoma

    Awesome! Very inspiring aunty you just made my day with this lovely pieces,am so inspired.

    Reply
  • Hannah Nyeduko

    My time will come. This is so soothing ma. God bless you aunty Ify

    Reply
  • Amblessed Ebere Johnson

    Beautiful piece aunt; reminds me of how much I should remain focused now and at any other time. You inspire me so much MA.. We’ll done…

    Reply
  • AYOOLA

    Amazing, I am intentional and I bloom at my time…..simple

    Reply

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *