I was out for a walk when I was surprised to see a marigold blooming through the metal grate of a gutter. It mesmerized me to see that this little plant had the tenacity to grow despite its circumstances. But then, days later I came across little green plants growing out of a runoff spot on the cement. I had to take a second look at the concrete garden to confirm what I was seeing.

No soil and minimal sunshine is what this little display of life chose in which to thrive.

In my life I have experienced difficult circumstances that might be comparable to blooming in a gutter grate. I think that all humans face challenges that are less than ideal, that push them to overcome, and that encourage growth. The beauty that is produced from these circumstances is often compassion, empathy, gratitude and forgiveness.

However, the little concrete garden growing in such a bleak environment threw down the gauntlet for me.

The tenacity displayed issued a challenge to me, “What are you going to let stop you from thriving?”

Recently, I have found myself in a situation beyond my control. I have come to realize that the circum- stances have been that way for a long time, just like the runoff on the sidewalk. It doesn’t benefit anyone and feels impossible to entirely clean up or remove.

The negativity and bleak outlook for finding a solution feels much like the daily reminder of walking past the spot on the sidewalk.

Yet, the little green plants, some would call weeds, chose to grow against all odds. The concrete garden reminds me to be tenacious, which is defined as being very determined and persistent. They challenge me to thrive in spite of everything else. No excuses are allowed because these little plants didn’t let anything stop them.