Roses Will Bloom Again
“Teach me to do your will, for you are my God; may your good spirit lead me on level ground.”
Psalm 143:10 NIV
While in a store I overheard a conversation between a son and his mother. His mother was obviously very ill and wheelchaired bound. She wanted to look at everything in the store. By the son’s tone and actions, his aggravation was growing. He complained about having to shop with her. They argued and he walked away. I felt her hurt as she sank in the wheelchair with her head down. I felt a nudge in my heart to say something to him or her. With tears filling my eyes, I looked at him as I walked past. He walked back over to his mom. Their conversation became more pleasant.
I thought how I would love to push my mom and dad in their wheelchair just one more time down a store aisle. Tears fell as I prayed that the man realize what a privilege he had, not an obligation.
In the car I said, “God, I know you nudged me to say something, but the words would not come. Please forgive me for my disobedience. I hope my tears were enough.”
I stopped at a pharmacy on my way home. I got what I needed and stepped up to the clerk. She began to cry. She apologized. She explained that she was just returning to work after the sudden death of her son. We talked about her son, his death, and her financial suffering from all the expenses she had incurred. We prayed together as a line formed behind me. I apologized to the shoppers behind me. They said no apology necessary. “We were praying with you.”
As I left, I noticed the roses outside, reminding me of something my grandmother used to say when things went wrong, “Honey, roses will always bloom again.” It was like God gave me a do-over for not being obedient in the other store. Or maybe I was obedient showing the man my tears.
Roses have always had a special spot in my heart. Their beauty can brighten any day. How can something so beautiful have a thick stem of thorns, and petals so delicate they fall off easily? I realized what my grandmother meant. Our Savior went to the cross with a thorn crown, forgave our sins like petals on a rose falling off, and He came back more beautiful than ever, bringing with Him the most precious gift to us – eternal life.
Mitzie Avera
