SILVER SWORD!

 ‘Haleakala Silver Sword’ plant photo by Forest & Kim Starr CC 3.0.

The Haleakala Silver Sword plant (See photo above) is found in only one place in the world, on the high-altitude slopes of the Haleakala Crater on the Island of Maui!  Believe it or not, you can drive your car up to 10,000 feet above sea level on a winding road to the summit of Mt. Haleakala to view this crater!  Scattered here and there on the barren, volcanic, mars like landscape are these spectacular silver leafed plants that have pointed leaves covered with tiny silver hairs that reflect sunlight and protect this plant from frost.  The leaves also have air pockets that store water, helping this plant survive the bone-dry climate.

This astounding plant spends 3 to 90 years storing energy before sending up a single, deep purple 6-foot flowering stalk.  (See photo) This stalk only lasts a few days and the plant dies! 

My wife and I have travelled to Maui several times, and a trip to Haleakala Crater is always a rewarding experience.  One time on a trip with a marine biology group, we got up a 4:00 AM, drove to the top of Haleakala to watch the sunrise!  An exhilarating experience!  There is a visitors center at the edge of the crater and several trails you can hike to view these plants and the mars-like landscape.  In addition, the views of Maui from the road up are spectacular!

The Silver Sword carries a great message!  It says, use your time wisely to prepare for your future.  Whether you are 3 or 90, it gives you hope that you too can bloom before you die, even if you are old!

The following is a list of people who bloomed late in life and are an encouragement to us all. It’s from an article entitled, ‘Success Over 50:  Top Career Success Stories’ careline.co.uk.

‘Grandma Moses’ began painting at age 78.  She lived to 101 years.  Her work is still popular today!  One of her works, Surgaring Off, sold for $1.2 million dollars in 2006.

Laura Ingalls Wilder began writing the Little House series of children’s books at 65 years old.  Her books were very successful and ultimately became the basis for the popular television series Little House on the Prairie!

‘Colonel Sanders’ founder of Kentucky Fried Chicken first franchised KFC at the age of 62.  He sold the business and his ‘special recipe for $2 million dollars 12 years later at the age of 74.

Julia Child, became a Celebrity Chef at 51 years old!  She created a successful television show called, ‘The French Chef’, which made her a household name in America.

AND, remember this scripture from Jeremiah 29:11, whether you are 3 or 90,

‘I KNOW THE PLANS I HAVE FOR YOU, DECLARES THE LORD, PLANS TO PROSPER YOU AND NOT TO HARM YOU, PLANS TO GIVE YOU HOPE AND A FUTURE!’