They were all from the same mom. I planted them on the same day and they were the same size when I planted them. All things considered, they should all be the same size.
They have all grown, there is no doubt about it. They are all significantly larger. However, one had been mowed down, cut off when it was small. I was heartbroken and lugged water to it everyday for a long time. It is in the direct sun, getting plenty of light. The other two are also in the sun, but it is filtered by the leaves of the maple tree.
Early this spring, I was surprised to see how much larger the one ornamental grass was compared to the other. By mid-summer the difference was undeniable. One was flourishing, growing and expanding. While the other two were also flourishing, growing and expanding there was a significant difference between them. They all came from the same source, with the same capability, but one got more attention and nourishment.
I walk past all three of them daily. A couple of lessons feel so clear the more time I spend with them. First, if there wasn’t a third grass, then I would never compare the two grasses and feel that they are underperforming. It is a nice reminder that comparing yourself to others doesn’t serve you. If you are growing, expanding and flourishing it may not serve you to compare, in fact it may suck life from your soul. Second, the more attention you show something and the more nutrition you throw its way, the more you promote it’s growth. So, if you want something to grow, focus on it and give it the tools that it needs to flourish, grow and expand.
