Roses From Jesus

It was a beautiful day, Valentine's Day.  A tent had been set up on the parking lot of the large supermarket chain where I was employed.  I was to sell roses, candy, baskets, and all the other sentimental gifts given and received on this day designated for expressions of love.Dozens of roses in varying colors were displayed in large containers, making the tent a veritable garden of fragrance and
color.

Now, I love roses, especially yellow roses, for on my wedding day, I carried a large bouquet in my arms as I walked down the aisle of the church.  On this Valentine's Day, however, there was no one who thought that I might like to have even one for myself.  So, all day long, for two days, I helped others choose just the right color for their sweetheart.

At the end of the last day, a pain touched my heart as I thought, "I would love to have someone give me some beautiful roses."  I quickly wiped away the tears that tried to fall and smiled at my own foolishness over something so trivial. Little did I know that someone knew about my tears and the ache in my heart. 

The following Monday, leaving the store, I met the manager of the floral department.  In her arms were, you guessed it! Roses!  Red roses, yellow roses, pink roses, magenta, and orange.

"Oh," I said, "Aren't they beautiful!"

She looked harrassed, but smiled suddenly.  "Do you want them?"

My eyes widened, I know, in disbelief.  "Me?  Why?"

"Well, I can't sell them.  They're too old now, you know, left from yesterday.  They won't last very long."

I quickly gathered up all the roses, carried them home and filled every vase I could find.  Placing the roses all over the house, I walked from room to room, tears blurring my vision until the lovely colors swam together.  I wept and wept in utter and complete humility before such tender love as was demonstrated by my Lord that lonely Valentine's Day.  He knew my pain, He felt my feelings.  He sent me more roses than any human sweetheart would ever have given me. 

If you're ever in a lonely place, in a state of despair, feeling bereft, where life has given you a knockout blow, just remember that God knows where you are and He cares enough to send you roses.