It’s “only” a lupin. But I grew it from seed- and the slugs didn’t get it. Success comes in little packages sometimes.
There is story behind this. I’ve tried lupins every year since we moved to Sussex. One year, the greenfly sucked all the juice out, leaving withered brown husks. Every other year, the local slugs have chopped the seedlings off at ground level before I had time to say “Lupin…”
Until now. Out of about thirty seedlings, two have survived. One is flowering. Not a good ratio, but the flower spike is gorgeous. I’m smiling because I won the war with Slugdom. Science tells me that I should celebrate successes- even small ones.
“Celebrating small wins stimulates dopamine release in the brain, a feel-good chemical that reinforces the learning experience and strengthens our sense of connection to those we work with. Change and growth are promoted through positive emotions more than through disciplined practice.” – MindTools.com
Zechariah 4:10a adds ancient wisdom: “Do not despise these small beginnings, for the Lord rejoices to see the work begin…”
Pessimism can push us into fatalism… and prevent us trying- we “doomed to fail”. God takes a different viewpoint: He is DELIGHTED when the work begins for that is the first success. You can’t win if you never begin! Perseverance then kicks in to lead to more successes. And more smiles.
The Reflectionary 