THE R O S E

Have you ever noticed that no-one goes to the rose gardens in the winter. Who in their right mind would see beauty in those ugly thorny bushes?? Sometimes black with frost. Ugly, ugly, ugly. They cut your hands, tear at your skin and clothes. You try to straighten them out for the coming year and the thorns tear into your flesh. You wonder whatever possesses you to even bother with them; let them grow however they want. Why should you keep getting torn up and upset. So what if a branch has been broken and more disease can spread to the whole plant if it is not nurtured with loving care. What is it to you?

Then springtime rolls around, and the fruits of your labor start to manifest. Little shoots come out, leaves begin to sprout, buds begin to blossom. All of a sudden, you start to see the birth of one of the most exquisite flowers the Good Lord has made on this earth. As the bud starts to open, a drop of dew nestles in;, the beauty that is within starts to come forth. You no longer remember the ugliness that was; you no longer remember the pain from this creation; no longer does it matter about the time and effort needed to nurture and love, so the whole would be healthy and strong. All you behold is the beauty of the creation as it bursts forth into the fullness of what it truly is. How blessed are you, to be able to see beyond the ugliness and focus on what a little one can be. To love them with Agape love (no restriction) is our purpose in life, so they too, see beyond the ugliness in their lives, and put aside the shame and hurt. Then one day, without warning, springtime comes and they are the ones that start pruning others; to see them grow into that beautiful rose plant. Although some may have a preference for a particular color, shape or size, when roses are in bloom, none of this matters.

Never tire of reaching Out:

Never tire of getting hurt or scorned

Never tire of what others think or say

Never say No, when you could say yes.

The list is endless, the needs are endless, but you may be the only one left to fill a gap, so others can step on you to reach the other side. That is why they are being placed before you. To love the Unloveable is a blessed ministry indeed. After all, did He not do the same for us. Remember, we are the workers in the field, following the instructions from the "Head Gardener". If we do as directed to the best of our ability, we need not take the blame for something not growing right. After all, would we take the credit and glory when He turns it around and brings them forth in their fullness of New Birth???

a.b.con February 89

dedicated to:Angela,Marie,Linda,Alicia,Alyssa,&Rebecca

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