Hello my friends,

My friend, Amy Flynn, wrote a story with many meanings, about a little daffodil named Dinky. This story resonated with me and Amy kindly gave me permission to tell you about it here. I’ll give you a little peek into the story and why I liked it, with full credits to Amy Flynn © 2008.

Once upon a time there was a daffodil named Dinky. Dinky grew in the shade of an oak tree, quite apart from his daffodil friends. He felt lonely and unhappy and wished to be growing with them under the bright sun over in the meadow instead of alone under the shadow of a great, big tree.

The oak tree tried to help Dinky understand why he was in a better position than his daffodil friends. Dinky was just a young daffodil, though and it was very hard for him to see beyond his current situation. It was dark and it was cool under the oak tree.

All of the other daffodils bloomed in the sunshine, soaking up the rays.

Poor Dinky, he was sad and depressed. He was powerless to change his situation and felt isolated. He was angry with the oak tree for keeping him in the shade and apart from all the other daffodils. The oak tree tried to tell him that his perception may not be giving him the full picture, but Dinky didn’t think so!

Over time, the seasons changed. Summer came and the daffodils on the hillside began to fade. When they withered, Dinky was safe from the heat. In the shelter and protection of the oak tree, he lived on and on, making friends along the way and growing in wisdom. He learned not to be afraid and to have faith that he was on his true path. People stopped to wonder at this one lone daffodil under the oak tree. He was so small, yet unafraid. He shared the wisdom he had learned: You are not alone. You are truly loved.

I invite you to read the story in its entirety via this link.

How do we sustain faith that we are on our true path? How can we be happy wherever life has planted us?

I can remember times sitting on the side and being left out, growing up. I can remember feeling that my friends were luckier than me. Is there anyone who hasn’t had this experience?

Dinky’s story reminds me that sometimes what appears to be an obstacle is actually a blessing. It may take trust and time to see how today’s difficulties may be the bearers of gifts.

I am reminded of the poem, Desiderata. (c) Max Ehrman 1926
“With all its sham, drudgery and broken dreams,
it is still a beautiful world.
Be cheerful. Strive to be happy.”

Bloom where you are planted.