ROSES SHOULD NEVER CRY OVER THORNS
It is rather easy to become preoccupied with the lesser
(and more challenging) parts of ourselves, and others. Indeed, it is
human nature to emotionally highlight those things which we believe serve to diminish
us. Consider the paralyzed woman who is creatively brilliant and warmly
sensitive to others, but can only visualize the insufficiency of her legs and
feet. Consider the successful businessman who, although lacking in formal
training, possesses a natural aptitude for forging enduring relationships and
trust, but is absolutely agonized by the absence of a college degree.
These persons remind me of a family event. I had
given roses to my wonderful wife, Belinda, and was accidentally pricked by a
sharp thorn. My high level of momentary pain compelled further
contemplation, so I sat there for a moment, considering the purpose and plight
of the rose. Admittedly, my thoughts were then (perhaps they often are)
somewhat strange…
What if roses were not only living flowers, but fully sentient
and emotional beings? And what if they could never discern the vibrant
beauty of their vivid colors and delicate petals, for one reason only, because
they were strangely fascinated by (and totally focused on) their thorny condition? What if roses
were somehow able to smile, but permanently withheld their charismatic glory
because they had grown sad and sullen by constantly contemplating their thorn
condition? What if roses were given to bouts of melancholy followed by
endless tears, so much that their recipients could not possibly sense their
amazing beauty and potential for personal joy? What if…?
Well, I have a simple revelation for you, my friend. YOU are a ROSE – exclusively designed
and meticulously crafted by Almighty God, Himself. Instead of grieving
over your apparent life-thorns, just know (like the Apostle Paul) that God’s
amazing “grace is sufficient” for you. (II Corinthians 12:7-9)
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