In Isaiah 35:1, we read: “The wilderness and the wasteland shall be glad for them, and the desert shall rejoice and blossom as the rose; It shall blossom abundantly and rejoice, Even with joy and singing.”
“A Cherokee Rose. On the side of the road.”
“You’re right, Cing. Your grandmother'll love it. It grows wild in the South Carolina Lowcountry. Beautiful, isn’t it?” Grandfather dug a small root of the rose. A gift for Grandmother.
“Ouch! It’s beautiful but these briars hurt.”
Grandfather chuckled. “Careful. Even with these gloves, I feel them.”Back at home, Grandfather selected a spot beside the garden shed, an oak tree nearby. “Let’s get this rose planted. Hold it steady.”
“Will it bloom soon?”
“Hope so. We’ll tend it, give it plenty of TLC.”
Years passed. Healthy leaves. No blooms. Until a hurricane hit the lowcountry. Several trees fell due to the high winds. Still the rose clung to the oak tree by the shed.
The following spring, Cing called. “Grandfather, come quick. You’re not going to believe this.”
She ran ahead of Grandfather to the garden shed. “Look.”
On the edge of the garden shed, entwined in the oak limbs, the Cherokee Rose bloomed.
“Beautiful. Let’s get your grandmother.”
“Amazing beauty.” Grandfather looked at the space created from some of the downed trees. “Now enough sun shines through to nourish it properly.”
Kingdom Thinking. When storms come, I look at the damage and clean-up. But at times, the storms bring changes that let the light shine in. Changes that allow me to see the Lord Jesus loves me with an everlasting love. He promises never to leave nor forsake me. Especially in the storms of life. He promises the same to you. Won’t you come to Him? He loves you.