This bloom was nearing the end of its season when it caught my attention. Its petals had curled and changed. It no longer looked the way it once had.

And still, it glowed.

There are times when life changes us, too. Our bodies may change. Our circumstances may change. The future may look different than we imagined. It can be easy to measure ourselves against who we were before.

But what has changed about us is not the whole truth of who we are.

This flower reminded me that change does not erase what is beautiful, meaningful, or valuable. There is still light here. Still presence. Still something to give.

And perhaps that is the invitation of Afterglow. - to look at ourselves with the same grace. To notice not only what has changed, but what remains.

Your presence. Your value. Your place in the lives around you.