Roses and Thorns

Life is so thorny at times….I saw a rose bush on my neighbor’s porch, still blooming in November and marveled at the creativity of God. What an artist He is. I love roses, any color, and any size. Roses are a delight to the eyes and delicate and so sweet smelling… and yet, hidden under beautifully detailed leaves hide those thorns that can prick you…sometimes to the point of bleeding. So eager to touch and smell, you grab it too quickly and forget the hidden danger.

I know there are thorns on the stem of a rose. I could avoid the prick of a rose thorn by never extending my hand to hold one, touch its soft velvety petals, or smell the intoxicating fragrance of nature. I could enjoy its beauty from afar, always safe, never taking the risk of being pricked. But….oh what measures of joy would I relinquish by never grabbing, never smelling, never touching, never getting close and taking in the whole essence of the rose…yes, even the prick of the thorn.

I know there are thorns in life…those hidden dangers that prick my heart and soul...sometimes when I least expect it, I am pricked and bleeding.

My sister was rushed to ER yesterday. Blood clouts in both legs and one lung. Other complications because of her diabetes and other health problems. The possibility of losing her is a reality. That would be so painful for me…she is one of the best sister’s ever and has been for over 55 years. She is a dear friend and we love to joke, laugh, sing, dance, and so enjoy each other’s company (along with our other best sister).

We are also sisters in Christ and have shared so many incredible Christ experiences over the last 28 years.

We love each other deeply, passionately and unconditionally. The thorns of our lives now are: getting older, illness and the possibly of death visiting us sooner than we desire. It would be so easy not to love the way we love…sure would minimize the thorns of sorrow, pain and grief. Be safe…only “love” from afar.

Yet, I know there are thorns in life…but I am still eager to love and touch and share. So eager to grab hold and live life with those I love…I don’t forget the thorns because I know they are part of a life lived deeply, passionately, and wholeheartedly. The bleeding of a pricked heart and soul indicate life, a heart still beating with joy, comfort, peace, and the love of a Savior who wore a crown of thorns for me.

I am off to visit my sister in the hospital today…perhaps I will stop and buy her some roses.

2Co 1:3-5 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction so that we will be able to comfort those who are in any affliction with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God. For just as the sufferings of Christ are ours in abundance, so also our comfort is abundant through Christ.

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