love thursday: strength in numbers

So, this past weekend, as I was on my pick-me-up photo walk, I came across these two spider lilies standing alone in the middle of the weeds and brush along the trail.  There were no other similar lilies anywhere to be seen.

I loved the thought of these lilies surviving despite the odds, and drawing strength from each other.  You and me against the world, they seemed to say. 

Given this (and the fact that they are just such funky-looking flowers), I couldn't resist taking the shot.

Then, a couple of days later, the following quote showed up on my friend Elspeth's blog:

Love everyone as best you can, but only invest in people who invest in you.

I think there's some real wisdom in this:  I think we are called to treat all others with respect and love (or "lovingkindness," if that feels better); but I do not think we are called on to stick around if we're being mistreated.  There's a certain gift to being able to be discriminating about the people we allow into our inner circle, and knowing when it makes sense to step arm's length way from relationships we know have the potential of being toxic; and in doing so, step away not with anger or hatred, but with respect, and yes, love, because it's the healthy thing to do.

I know this isn't always easy -- I've had my own share of pretty addicting relationships in my past.  But I think when we get the hang of it, when we start to really invest in the true friends who invest in us, well, it's sort of like those two flowers: just you and them against the world.

Happy Love Thursday, everyone.  May you be surrounded by people who are truly worthy of your love.

Image:  Photographed with Nikon D300 and 60mm micro lens

Song:  Be my thrill by The Weepies