HAVE YOU NOTICED THE ROSES?
Ever hear the saying, “Stop and smell the roses?” There are lots of beautiful roses along the pathways of our lives; Roses in the form of people, relationships, activities, experiences and opportunities. They’re everywhere, in all shapes, sizes and colors. They’re in your family, at church, where you work and where you play; in books and music, etc.
There are an abundance of roses in life that are part of the “all things” that God has given us “richly to enjoy” (1 Tim. 6:17). Don’t miss them. And don’t just recognize the roses in your life only to let them wilt away where you’re concerned. Learn to cultivate them and cherish them as much as you can. Get good at telling other people about life’s roses.
Above all, make sure you possess the “Rose of Sharon” (Song of Solomon 2:1). This is an Old Testament name for none other than Jesus Christ Himself. It is only through faith in His Person and work that anyone ever has been, or ever will be, saved for eternity. “Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men whereby we must be saved” (Acts 4:12).
One caution: Briars and thorns; prickly, painful, difficult things might have to be dealt with in the process of your enjoying life’s roses or the Rose of life. Don’t fixate on them. Don’t let them get in your way. Move past them, and go for the roses.