Saturday, April 28, 2012

Life Lessons from a Rose

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!


Wednesday, April 25, 2012

Watch and be blessed!