At a recent holiday gathering, I gave individually crafted envelope flower arrangements as messages of good cheer to three of my good friends. Judging from their happy smiles, the arrangements conveyed my intended feelings of affection, respect, and hope for shared happiness. As we talked and laughed together about things both past and, we hope, in the future, I couldn’t help considering how a harmonious small group of friends is like a pleasing bouquet.
Friends with diverse backgrounds, personalities, and opinions can be likened to the contrasting shapes and sizes of a mix of beautiful flowers in an elegant bouquet. Unity amid differences reflects the strength and harmony that arises when individuals form a group in friendship. With sensitivity and mutual respect for differing talents and interests, a small group of individuals can create a shared strength similar to the harmony of a floral arrangement in which the separate blossoms with their differing shapes and colors are drawn together into a beautiful whole without diminishing the importance and beauty of each individual flower.
A talented floral artist can select different colors to complement each other or contrast with each other depending on the mood the floral message is intended to deliver. Similarly, texture, shapes, and open spaces within the arrangement can be chosen for drama or to provide a sense of calm and reassurance. Similarly, a meeting of friends may create a calm place to relax or an energized opportunity to scheme with enthusiasm and boldly plan what comes next. Of course, there may be times when one or more members of the group need to rally support and resilience in a period of adversity, to be the thorns that protect fragile flowers.
The next time you get together with your most treasured friends, consider the long-honored traditions of some cultures to bring beautiful flowers for the gathering. Your message of respect, affection, and harmony will be appreciated as much as the insights and laughter shared by the group, and even more so if the occasion is not one of laughter and joy but rather of shared thoughtful contemplation.
