Seeing The Good Around Me: Roses and Thorns

 

 

“I gave you roses and you blame me for the thorns.”

 

I saw this on a sign recently and it made me think about how often I do this. I want something-an event, a goal, or some type of expectation-and I expect this flawless, thorn-less outcome. I expect that there will only be beauty in it and completely ignore the fact that there may be a thorn or two.

 

Why do I do that? Why wouldn’t I think that there would be some work or some brief pain? Why focus on a small imperfection as though it’s “ruined”? And, honestly, a thorn isn’t a sign that the rose is ruined. It is just as much a part of the plant as the beautiful bloom is. So, why do roses have thorns?

 

I have read that there is a purpose to the thorns. That the reasons there are thorns is because without them the rose wouldn’t survive. Being as colorful and fragrant as they are, the roses are a target for insects and creatures that would devour it without this shield. Maybe there is also a deeper purpose: to keep you on your toes when you are handling them. You know that you have to watch what you are doing and can’t just grab them. It’s something delicate and precious and can hurt you if you aren’t mindful of what you do with it.

 

Roses and thorns are part of the good around me. The roses obviously bring fragrant beauty into the world. The thorns aren’t as obviously good, but serve as that visual reminder I sometimes need. The reminder that the gift is delicate. That the gift should be handled with care. So, instead of focusing on the thorns, I will be grateful for the rose.

 

Image: http://www.mostmercifuljesus.com/thorns-and-roses/

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

clear formPost comment