My friend said: “I wonder why these damaged and dead plants aren’t pulled out of here? Such an eyesore.” She said that at the same time I was thinking to myself: “Life lessons are everywhere. Look at this one. Even in its damaged state, it sends us a message.” Do you see it?
Strength is inside, most often unseen. Watch a new building under construction. First the foundation, then the framing, both hidden sources of structural strength, then the decorative exterior. Strength is within. And, many times the interior is more beautiful than the exterior. This little plant in the photo is an example. The work of the artist is inside…texture, pattern, color. Lovely.
Spiritual strength is not in muscle and sinew. It is what resides within, planted there by The Source of all strength. A suggestion: spend as much time developing inner spiritual strength as you do walking, cycling, working out. Take a lesson from the earth. On second thought, spend more time working on the inside than you do on the outside. Better payoff.
Shining Spirit 
Oh lord. Strengthen my inner self.