RED ROSES
As another Valentines Day rolls around I’m considering one’s past and the tradition of it. A sure sign I’m getting old is the fact that I really am beginning to enjoy roses, especially red ones.
When I was younger and heard old people talk about roses and carry on about their beauty, I fixed my eyes on the object of their attention momentarily, then rolled them around my sockets as I thought to myself, “Get a life, that’s so boring, it’s just a rose”!
I held out a long time, longer than most I think until I succumbed to the ways of mature people. These days if I pass a nice red rose, I stop, study it carefully and comment like the older people I use to roll my eyes at.
My little one and me have quite a time admiring red roses and trying to find the perfect petal on each one. “Dad look at this one”! she exclaims. I always add with sincerity, “It’s amazing isn’t it”? “Yeah, it sure is,” she says softly as if seeing one for the first time.
When I was younger I thought of buying roses for my wife as an obligation instead of an honor. Somewhere along the way I began to enjoy it, not just the beautiful red roses, but the act of selflessness as well. What happened to me? Moreover, what took so long?
What does it take to gain a changed perspective? I guess it could be different for all of us, but for me the change of perspective came from the process of seeking God. It’s easy to be cynical in this life and to move at light speed never taking the time to stop and take a look at the simple things we take for granted.
Those simple things like our loved ones, other people in need and nature, including red roses are the assets given to us by God. I’m curious in hindsight how I ever could have considered going out of my way for someone and inconvenience, especially my loved ones and wife to do something kind that made them feel more than good, to make them feel loved and appreciated.
What else matters?
Yes it’s a fallen world and yes there are bad things that happen in it. The depths to which humans can fall without God seems to be endless. Sure the rose has thorns, but it’s a reminder that despite how beautiful things are or how nice they might look there is a danger of putting too much trust or faith in the object alone. To me, it’s a reminder from God to seek and trust only in Him.
When the objects receive more praise and adoration than the Creator, pain is eminent. It is the balance between spiritual and physical. The simple things like a conversation or a red rose are the gifts from God that bring us together. We enjoy the beauty of them, but it’s the time spent together enjoying them that are the most special.
In the proper Biblical perspective, all things direct us back to God and bring Him honor. I believe the reason many of us enjoy what we consider the simple things in life like a red rose is due to our belief or understanding in the miracle of the beautiful creation.
The red rose reminds me that as fallen as the world is God still produces beauty in it for us to behold. There is beauty in selflessness. We find the acts of sacrifice for others to be lovely.
When we choose to exercise these traits God provides to us, our lives begin to reflect Him.
To my way of thinking these days, I find selflessness, discipline, honor, mercy, grace, and love in the timeless beauty of a red rose.
I’ll take a red rose home with me, I think my wife will too…
Tammy
Monday, February 14, 2011 @ 9:33 am
Love it–I really enjoy those moments when I see God in places I didn’t expect, because they stick with me the most. Like cacti in the middle of a desert…I’m thinking to myself right now, “Well you go on with yourself, Mr. Cactus.” Because they are thriving in the middle of a barren land. That’s what God has made me. I’m living in world full of the “walking dead,” but He is making me a “well-watered garden.” (Isaiah 58:11)
I’ll post the whole verse…
“The LORD will guide you continually, and satisfy your soul in drought, and strengthen your bones; you shall be like a watered garden, and like a spring of water, whose waters do not fail.”
Floyd
Monday, February 14, 2011 @ 10:06 am
So you talk to cactus… Uhh Huhh…OOOhK. Well alright. Umm, I guess you know, if that’s your thing then, alright…
Well said my friend, with God’s direction we do not fail. Failure only comes when we are doing our will, not His. Great insight Tammy.
Tammy
Monday, February 14, 2011 @ 3:10 pm
*chuckle*
I guess I more talk AT them! 😉
Floyd
Monday, February 14, 2011 @ 8:32 pm
Whatever, “cactus talker”!!! Or should I say “cactus whisperer”!
Tammy
Tuesday, February 15, 2011 @ 7:28 pm
lol!
Umm…do you think I’d have a shot at my own show on TLC?
Floyd
Tuesday, February 15, 2011 @ 8:03 pm
I do! You sneak up on the cacti and i’ll be the narrator who speaks very quietly detailing your every calculated move in my English accent… What do you think? I think we’re on to something here!
Lanny Wegleitner
Monday, February 14, 2011 @ 9:45 am
Floyd,
I am happy to see that you can find time to smell the roses, you might say. I too enjoy Valentine’s Day because it gives me an opportunity to express how much I really do care about the loved ones around me. Sometimes we forget to say how much we really care and appreciate those closest to us. Thanks again, my friend.
Floyd
Monday, February 14, 2011 @ 10:09 am
Thanks for all the years of support and the example of having the right priorities in life. It just takes us “dull” people a little longer than most! Thanks Lanny
April
Tuesday, February 15, 2011 @ 7:27 am
Well put my friend. I think a lot of times we miss the pretty things in life because we get so wrapped up in the every day “stuff”. It’s always good to stop and smell the roses!
Floyd
Tuesday, February 15, 2011 @ 2:21 pm
I hear ya, I’m definitely working on the stopping and smelling part!
patty
Tuesday, February 15, 2011 @ 10:20 am
Floyd,
You are right we all should take time to smell the roses! Every body seems to be so busy this day and time . so yes it is good to stop and smell the roses and just let time stop and take it all in. loved your story .they just get better and better !
Floyd
Tuesday, February 15, 2011 @ 2:24 pm
Thanks Patty, taking those few minutes here and there is rewarding, thanks for taking your time to invest in mine, I appreciate it!
brad gore
Tuesday, February 15, 2011 @ 10:37 am
Thx Floyd,
It really is amazing how our perspective changes as we begin to mature and take the time to really think about things. Or maybe its when we allow ourselves to do so. I guess its just a matter of understanding what truly are the most important things in life. It is a great journey.
Floyd
Tuesday, February 15, 2011 @ 2:27 pm
I find it interesting that the most calming, peaceful things in life are the simplest of things. Kinda like having creme brulee with friends!
Tammy
Tuesday, February 15, 2011 @ 10:25 pm
For whatever reason, we can’t reply to a reply more than a few times–but I had to reply to your Cactus Whispher reply:
Can you do an Australian accent? ;D
Floyd
Wednesday, February 16, 2011 @ 6:58 am
I hate to break the blog Gestapo’s rules and reply to a reply that is replying to a reply, that was replying to a reply, but Yes! I can do an Australian accent! HeHeHe, (to borrow a line from you!)
Tammy
Wednesday, February 16, 2011 @ 8:31 am
LOL
I won’t tell you on you!
Floyd
Wednesday, February 16, 2011 @ 8:11 pm
“UNCLE”!