Living in Arizona, it’s impossible to ignore the cacti. Covered in spines, they seem like nature’s way of saying, “Keep your distance.” One wrong step or touch, and you’re left with a sharp reminder of their defenses.
But then spring arrives, and something remarkable happens. These same prickly plants burst into bloom, producing flowers so vibrant and delicate they draw hummingbirds and bees. The transformation is stunning, but fleeting—many blooms last only a short time. Their beauty, though brief, reminds us to savor life’s unexpected moments.
As I admired these cactus flowers one day, a humorous thought popped into my mind: “Even a prick can bloom.”
It’s funny, but also deeply true. Some people, like cacti, can be harsh and sharp. They may come across as difficult or unkind, seemingly existing only to push others away. But just like the cactus in winter, these people might be in a season where their beauty and potential aren’t visible yet.
In life, we often encounter “pricks.” They might frustrate or hurt us, but if we look closer—or simply wait—we might see a different side to them. People, like cacti, have their seasons. Winter is a time of dormancy, where growth happens beneath the surface. Spring, however, is when that growth bursts forth, revealing something beautiful.
The lesson? Try not to judge someone solely by the season you meet them in. The person who seems harsh today might surprise you with their ability to bloom when the time is right.
A cactus doesn’t bloom all year, and neither do we. But when the right season comes, even the most prickly among us can grow into something beautiful. So the next time you encounter someone sharp or difficult, remind yourself of this:
Even pricks can bloom.
The Wild Gems 