“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.” Isaiah 35:1. (NKJV).
“Look, Grandfather. A Cherokee Rose. On the side of the road.”
“You’re right, Cing. Your grandmother will 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 my bride.” He winked.“Ouch! It may be beautiful but these thorns hurt.”
Grandfather chuckled. “Even with these gloves.”Back 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, bringing down several trees. 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. “Look.”
On the edge of the garden shed, entwined in the oak limbs,
“Amazing.” He looked at the space created by the downed trees.
“Why did it wait so long to bloom, Grandfather?”
“Didn't have enough sunlight to nourish it properly.”
Cing chewed on her lip. “You're saying we need hurricanes to make room for our rose to bloom?” She placed her hand over her heart.
“Couldn't have put it better, Cing. Or maybe I'll change your name to Rose. What do you think?”
“I think I'll go fetch your bride.” She chuckled as Grandfather grinned.
“You do that!”
Kingdom Thinking. When storms come, I look at the damage and clean up. But 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?
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