Red roses are one of the most popular ornamental
flowers that are sold at a flower store. It takes about 6-8 weeks for roses to
grow from start to harvest. Green sepals that cover the emerging rose protect
the bud of the rose. As the rose swells, the sepals separate and unfold,
dropping to the stem and allowing the rose to show its beauty.
Learning how a special flower like a rose grows
provides many of us with life lessons to think about and give consideration to.
Does it seem odd that such a flower would present parallel similarities of our
life encounters? I don’t think so. In fact, having such knowledge would allow
us to see more clearly ahead of us and prepare carefully. It does not hurt to
do so especially if given the right insights as to the best way to organize the
affairs of life.
Our daily life though faced with many struggles
can also be filled with much beauty if given the right atmosphere. How is this
so? To begin with, never allow any negative situation to turn your life upside
down. Keep your emotions in check to see clearly what’s ahead of you. For
there’s nothing in this life that is ever permanent even the worst of trials.
But rather everything comes in seasons and right time. Believe it! Here’s what
the Scriptures says in Ecclesiastes 3: 1-8, “For everything there is a season, and a
time for every matter under heaven: a time to
be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up what is
planted;
a time to kill, and a time to heal;
a time to break down, and a time to build up; a time to
weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance; a
time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together; a time to
embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing; a time to
seek, and a time to lose; a time to keep, and a time to cast away; a
time to tear, and a time to sew; a time to keep silence, and a time to speak; a
time to love, and a time to hate; a time for war, and a time for peace.”(ESV)
Many people ask why roses droop in a vase. The
best answer is the rose stem gets plugged up (or gummed up) with air or hard
water. Thus, the head does not get enough water and droops. They could also
droop if it is too warm out or the humidity is too low. Roses need rich topsoil
to grow in. And above all, roses really need sunshine to have quality.
Again, look at how this flower has also its time
of “drooping down.” And it comes due to the external factors that I believe it did
not choose to be in. Similarly, we also have our “drooping down” moments.
Unlike the rose, it has no choice in the matter and we have! Thus, what should
be the best attitude to adopt when this moment comes? If I may suggest that there
are times that the best response is to avoid a “head on collision” and just let
it pass. What is more, never respond with what you “think” should be done right
away. Remember that whatever you think may not be the right action to do so. Allow
me to share a principle that I learned from a friend of mine, “Behave wisely
and act with grace.”
Besides, there will be times that you will not
know exactly what to do anyway but to turn completely in trusting the One that
do knows everything. And the best place to find complete rest and isolation to
know your next move is in God’s presence. Jesus gave us an invitation to
consider in stressful times. Thus, accepting the invitation of Jesus is most
appropriate to consider rather than using our “thorns” that can become “horns.”
Here’s his invitation for you and I to think about and rightfully contemplate: “Come
to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take
my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and
you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke
is easy, and my burden is light" (Matthew 11:28-30, ESV).
Let’s talk again!
