—A Lesson from Roses
It all started when someone gave my wife a beautiful bouquet of white and pink roses. Somehow, they ended up on the kitchen counter while she looked for a vase. By the time I got home that evening, they were still there and were beginning to droop. My wife asked me to go out and find a vase, but I was in a rush and forgot.
Only the next morning was I reminded when I walked into the kitchen again. A pang of guilt hit me as I went out to purchase a vase, hastily trimmed the stalk ends, and plunged the roses into the water. Then I had to head out again, almost sure I had acted too late.
But when I returned later, I was met with a cheerful greeting and “Thank you for putting the roses in the vase. They’re so pretty!”
Surprised, I stepped in, and there they were—perky, bright, and strong! What a difference water makes!
My walk with God started some years ago, when He offered me salvation and I accepted. Then He gave me some guidelines, the most important of which is to spend time with Him absorbing His truth in the Bible. He told me that is the only way to grow, stay spiritually strong, and shine with the beauty He intends for my life. (See Romans 10:17; Colossians 2:6–7.)
But so often, I forget and leave my spirit dry and alone, without the refreshing water of life it desperately craves. I mean to take time reading the Bible, praying, and communing with Jesus, but then, well, I just don’t. Sometimes I actually forget, and often I just prioritize other things, “important” things, “urgent” things, “fun” things. And all the while I grow lackluster and droopy, more negative, less kind. The vase is so close, the water is waiting, and yet I foolishly say, “Soon, later, sometime.”
But there’s always hope! Each time I turn back to the sweet and strengthening water of God’s Word, I’m imbued with life and strength! Jesus waits patiently and lovingly for my soul to yearn for Him (Psalm 42:1). My prayer is that I will not wait, but will reach out daily, growing and living and blooming to my full potential, that I may bring a glimpse of His glory and beauty to others. (See Daniel 12:3; Matthew 5:14,16.)