A Scattering of Petals

Recently I had the privilege of playing a small part in something really extraordinary.

I would like to introduce you to The Petals.

This is not just any group of women.  They are special – very special indeed.   What makes them remarkable is the fact that they are ordinary, everyday South African women who go out of their way to make a difference in the lives of others.  They have a unique bond as they share a deep love and consideration for their fellow human beings – more especially those that are less fortunate.  They are the most selfless, bighearted, generous group of ladies I have ever had the privilege of working with.  They radiate the very essence of a woman.  They are feminine, nurturing, caring, loving and beautiful – inside and outside.

Their name is so appropriate because a world without flowers would be desolate and soul-less.  The world expresses its joy with its flowers and these ladies are the embodiment of flowers on Earth.  Flowers feed the soul and they represent humanity deep in its roots – and they follow the light.  Life isn’t worth anything if it doesn’t unite in something meaningful, just like the fragrant petals of a rose at the tip of a long, thin, thorny stem. 

These women, The Petals, are true flowers – Earth Angels personified.  Their kind and compassionate spirits change many lives and put other people’s excuses to shame because, despite being busy mothers, wives and career women themselves, they have chosen to give of their time, energy and talents to uplift the lives of those that are underprivileged.

Sometime in 2007, this special group of friends decided to put some money together for the needy, over a glass of wine at their monthly cooking lesson and get-together.  They started by helping an old-age home – visiting and providing basic necessities like clothes, toiletries, blankets, hot water bottles and treats for the old folk.

Things just snowballed from there.  They went from contributing a few rands at their tea parties to holding raffles, organizing Christmas parties and coordinating events for a few hundred people in order to raise funds. 

The more they helped, the more fulfilled they felt and the more they wanted to do, to make a difference in the lives of others.  They learned the most valuable lesson.  The luxury of doing good surpasses every other personal enjoyment.

They have helped autistic children, abandoned babies, orphans, a lady with poor eyesight, a baby with spina bifida, a house of restoration for abused mothers and children and even helped to rehabilitate a prisoner and his family amongst many others.  They have the unique ability to see the need and not the cause.

These women prove that giving is the very purpose of life and that it can be done in your spare time.  If you really want to do something worthwhile, you can.  If you have time to receive, then you have time to give.  Energy abounds when you give of yourself.

I had the privilege of being the guest speaker at their latest fund-raising event recently.  These ladies blew me away with their commitment and dedication.  Wow!  Wow!  Wow!

One of the greatest pleasures I now know is that of giving to others.  It is just such a pity I had to learn it by accident.

In a sense, giving to others should be the rent we pay for being.  Should it not?

So, what are YOU doing for others?

Don’t you have an obligation to put something back into the world that gave you so much?

Stop.  Look.  See.  Listen.  Hear.  Do.  Give.  Help.  Make a difference.  Just because you can.