Winter Roses

It's rather dreary looking in Kansas just now. It has been dreary looking for a long time. I don't usually mind winter, but this one drags on. Winter has brought more cold and drab colors than I remember for awhile. Then I wonder if it's just my mood.
When I scanned the colors of the day from the back door yesterday, I intentionally tried to note the colors: "mud clump brown", "winter day gray", "dead veg tan" and "melancholy muted earth". The conclusion was simply "drab". Yet as I pulled open the curtains in our room this afternoon hoping to draw in more light, I noticed the roses just below the window which have long since dried and frozen. I have been in need of color, but I'm in more need of a reminder of hope. The roses are in some way a color picture of that hope. What I know and believe about hope is set, but today, the color reminder was a bright encouragement!
"For in hope we have been saved, but hope that is seen is not hope; for who hopes for what he already sees?  But if we hope for what we do not see, with perseverance we wait eagerly for it."
Romans 8:24,25

Since she will laugh in April's face 
No matter how he rains or blows --
Then O that I wild April were,
To play with laughing Rose.
(from Laughing Rose by W.H. Davies)


Comments

LivG said…
Very pretty mom! You have such a way with words!
Rachelle said…
Hope. I have to share a short story with you. Several years ago when my mom was diagnosed with breast cancer one of her favorite sayings was that, "a rose must be crushed to release it's fullest fragrance". During her chemo in late October I came home one day to discover that one of her roses had bloomed a beautiful yellow rose. That particular bush had never bloomed before and previously appeared to be dead.

So glad you are clinging to the hope that only God can give.
Laurie said…
Rachelle~ Praise the Lord for hope, promise and late-but-just-in-time yellow roses!
Zoanna said…
The Lord knows how to cheer us up, doesn't He? A couple months ago I was feeling as you describe, and everything outside looked drab. The rose bush out front had been seemingly dead since early fall. But one day, when I was at my lowest, I went to get the mail and--lo and behold, there was a salmon rose in bloom. Unbelievable! It really ministered to a place in my heart that
nothing else has reached. I pray you are reminded of hope more and more through natural beauties.
Laurie said…
Zoanna- That's what I'm talkin about. I must be desperate to be ministered to by a dried, frozen and frost dusted rose! Yet, I am encouraged when I think of:
"This Flower, whose fragrance tender with sweetness fills the air,
Dispels with glorious splendor the darkness everywhere;
True Man, yet very God, from sin and death He saves us,
And lightens every load."
TAB said…
Wow! I really love those photos. They're goregous!
Chris said…
1. Beautiful
2. That's the second time this week someone sent me that verse--very special
3. You know the best poems
Laurie said…
Chris~
1. God is good
2. I love that!
3. I'm glad you enjoy!
Blessings!

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