The Rose

It starts as a seed that is planted
Much like our father’s seed began
It takes shape and develops as the days go by
Much like the embryo of man
 
When the time is right, it breaks through
Much like the day we were birthed
Then it begins to take its place in time
Much like our time on earth
 
It’s grown to serve a purpose
Much like we are in school
It’s groomed and cultivated to be the best
Much like our reason for rules
 
Envision this beautiful flower
As it buds and is full of life
How each petal takes its rightful place
To capture its share of the light
 
With its pleasant fragrance and bold red tint
We hold on to the beauty it contains
But we sometimes fail to notice the thorns
Until we experience a moment of pain

We like the rose have a beauty of our own
In God’s image were we completely made
Yet there are times when we wonder why
Upon us a burden has been laid
 
Paul said it to the Corinthians this way
“…there was given to me a thorn in the flesh …”
(II Cor. 12:7)
He spoke of how it was purposed not to hinder him
But to keep him at his best
 
He went on to say, “I besought the Lord thrice
That it might depart from me” (v8)
But then God answered and said to him
“My grace is sufficient for thee” (v9)
 
“Therefore glory in your infirmities (v9, cont.)
Because the pain will not last too long
“For when I am weak,” Paul profoundly said
“Then am I strong” (v10)
 
So remember the full structure of the rose
Try to recall this as you go through
Remember that life has its petals as well
And its thorns that complete the view