Corn Plant (Dracanena Fragrant)

 Imagine the Possibilities!

    Having spent the last four days living in and and exploring around the Forest in the Clouds, I am aware of how common houseplants in North America are giants in the rainforest. I love to garden, but I'm usually not as passionate about houseplants. I've had them over the years and when I get them, I really do try hard to keep my houseplants healthy and growing, but houseplants that may get 2 or 3 feet tall in my house are giants in Costa Rica. 

    When we arrived in Costa Rica, we were in awe of the vegetation that surrounded us. We parked at a shopping center to get some supper and parked our car and as we were getting out, I noticed the hedges that were an important part of the landscaping, water management, and setting up natural barriers between parking areas. As I looked at the hedge, I said to Aaron and Tyler, look at this hedge. In the United States it would be considered a house-plant and it might get 1 foot tall or at best 2 feet tall with good care. It would be gorgeous, but it would never really reach its potential. We looked the plant up and learned that it was called a Varigated Croton (Codiaeum). I had know idea that the plants I potted, weeded, moved, and replanted while working in a Wholsale Greenhouse during my High School years would grow to be hedge and I would one day see in Costa Rica. In awe Aaron said, "See what can happen when a plant is growing in its natural place." 

Varigated Croton (Codiaeum)

Aaron's comment made a lot of sense to me, and a testimony to his observation is captured in the photos I have posted. Neither the Corn Plant nor the Varigated Croton, common houseplants in our American homes, would get as tall, virulent, and healthy as these plants are in Costa Rica. Imagine the possibilities! 

As I think of my own life, choices I have made and choices that were made for me, I know that the times that have been most challenging, inspiring, and fulfilling to me have been the times that I have made the best of the situation The old adage, "bloom where you are planted" is good advice. When we find the things that we are most passionate about and we find that place, that niche that is perfect for us, that is when we find, what the Costa Rican's say, Pura Vida, 'pure life!' Imagine the possibilities! Where do you find yourself? As you look at your life, where you have been, and where you find yourself, where is the Spirit leading you? What more can you be, what more can you give? Pura Vida! Pure Life! Imagine the possible.