Am I The Rose or The Weed?

Picking the newest blossom from the bush, I saw that the rose was full, yet not completely open. Pink edges were tightly bound in the center of the bud and soft petals framed around it were just beginning to unfold. The rose wore the morning dew and brought to me the sweetest scent. Yes, it would be the one to grace our dining table for lunch. Then I found myself wondering out loud, am I the rose or the weed?

Roses are so inviting, their beauty beckons you to come and view them close. Their aroma pulls you right up to them, to deeply breathe their fragrance. Each day they give you another picture as they effortlessly open and burst with blossom. Mmm, I wonder if I have that same attraction? Does my heart give off an aroma in which others want to be around me? Or am I like that pesky weed that just shows up in places of its selfish whims, always trying to outgrow the plant?

A rose is such a paradox, for its beauty rests upon a thorny stem. But that is the picture of grace, for suffering and piercing pain can produce in us a beautiful "rosy" spirit that comes from such humility. Whereas the weed with all its spread, just chokes out life as it pridefully attempts to crowd the plant with vengeful fury. It remains annoying and antagonizing, and never offers joy or hope. I wonder am I the rose or the weed?

Yet, to be a rose there is accountability. Although, I've had my share of personal hurt, I always have a choice in how to respond. I can stick others with my thorns of pain or I can humbly offer grace by being forgiving, giving them the benefit of the doubt, and thinking of them more highly than myself. To do so, frees me to bloom and live in peace. To respond otherwise, is to become the weed, the almighty self righteous weed that lives in chaos and ultimate defeat.

Mmm . . . I wonder. . . am I the rose or the weed?

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