The Rose (Day 1 from Cleansing Thoughts)

          IN THE LANGUAGE OF FLOWERS, the pink rose is a symbol of innocence, while the red stands for love and the white for purity, but one day, in the quietness of my rose garden, the Lord showed me it was a symbol of life.

    I had always loved roses, but it wasn't until my mother-in-law got me started growing my own that I fully understood their silent beauty. While I was pruning the bushes, I became increasingly aware of the different buds and flowers that appeared on each one. Some were just beginning to form, while others were partially opened. There were also roses in full bloom, yet others were beginning to lose their petals. I also noticed that, strangely enough, some had died in each stage of development, and as I continued with my work the Lord began to speak to my heart.

   I was pruning one of my favorites, a soft pink rose called PeggyLee, which had been a Mother's Day gift from my oldest son. I remembered when the first bloom appeared I was so amazed as its color and beauty. Each rose on the bush appeared so delicate, perfectly shaped, and had the sweetest fragrance. This is why I was so surprised when I noticed a small bud, something came over me, and I began to cry. My thoughts turned to the miscarriage I had, had many years ago. I remember when I cut the first bloom just the summer before and dedicated it to her. In honor of her memory, I had written her name on a small card, tied it to the rose with a white ribbon, placed it in a stream, and just stood in silence as I watched it drift out of sight. I wondered if she would have enjoyed roses as much as I did and what type of young women she would have become. My daydream was shattered as I cut myself on one of the thorns. It was then that I became aware of the reassuring voice of God that seemed to be saying, "She was as delicate and tiny as this small bud." Like this tiny bud, my little girl died before she was given the chance to bloom, and somehow, I now understand she was blooming before the Lord.