What My Garden Reminded Me About Relationships

I was in the garden the other day and noticed something. I planted flowers in my garden beds. Same soil. Same watering schedule. Same sun. And still—some bloomed big, some took their time, and some never really took off.

It reminded me how life works. You can show up with the same care, effort, and consistency, but the outcomes won’t all look the same. Some people will value it, some will feel neutral, and some—no matter what you do—won’t respond the way you hoped.

I’m not an expert gardener. I get the soil wrong, prune at the wrong time, and make mistakes—just like in relationships. Some flowers are forgiving and keep growing anyway. Others are more particular and don’t give much room for error.

And then there are the flowers that bloom so fully you can cut them, bring them inside, and share them. Some people in our lives are like that too—their care overflows and makes things brighter for everyone around them.

Here’s the reminder: if you’re showing up with honesty and consistency and still feel weighed down, it’s not all on you. Growth isn’t something you can force for someone else. You play a role, but you’re not the whole story.

So this week—choose to be the one who blooms over. Acknowledge the friends who have been steady, or reach out to someone who might need the encouragement. A simple note or thoughtful gift can go a long way. That’s why give with joy exists—to help you show up well in the relationships that matter most.