Blue rose

Yesterday my most precious heartfelt friend sent me this. I didn't make time to read it yesterday but I did as I was having my quiet time this morning. I love God's timing because I needed this right now. I will let you read this and then I will share my thoughts (of course!).

Blue Rose
Having four visiting family members, my wife was very busy, so I offered to
Go to the store for her to get some needed items, which included light
Bulbs, paper towels, trash bags, detergent and Clorox. So off I went.

I scurried around the store, gathered up my goodies and headed for the
Checkout counter, only to be blocked in the narrow aisle by a young man who
Appeared to be about sixteen-years-old. I wasn't in a hurry, so I patiently
Waited for the boy to realize that I was there. This was when he waved his
Hands excitedly in the air and declared in a loud voice, "Mommy, I'm over
Here."

It was obvious now, he was mentally challenged and also startled as he
Turned and saw me standing so close to him, waiting to squeeze by. His eyes
Widened and surprise exploded on his face as I said, "Hey Buddy, what's your
Name?"

"My name is Denny and I'm shopping with my mother," he responded proudly.

"Wow," I said, "that's a cool name; I wish my name was Denny, but my name is
Steve."

"Steve, like Stevarino?" he asked. "Yes," I answered. "How old are you
Denny?"

"How old am I now, Mommy?" he asked his mother as she slowly came over from
The next aisle.

"You're fifteen-years-old Denny; now be a good boy and let the man pass by."

I acknowledged her and continued to talk to Denny for several more minutes
About summer, bicycles and school. I watched his brown eyes dance with
Excitement, because he was the center of someone's attention. He then
Abruptly turned and headed toward the toy section.

Denny's mom had a puzzled look on her face and thanked me for taking the
Time to talk with her son. She told me that most people wouldn't even look
At him, much less talk to him.

I told her that it was my pleasure and then I said something I have no idea
Where it came from, other than by the prompting of the Holy Spirit. I told
Her that there are plenty of red, yellow, and pink roses in God's Garden;
However, "Blue Roses" are very rare and should be appreciated for their
Beauty and distinctiveness. You see, Denny is a Blue Rose and if someone
Doesn't stop and smell that rose with their heart and touch that rose with
Their kindness, then they've missed a blessing from God.

She was silent for a second, then with a tear in her eye she asked, "Who are
You?"

Without thinking I said, "Oh, I'm probably just a dandelion, but I sure love
Living in God's garden."

She reached out, squeezed my hand and said, "God bless you!" and then I had
Tears in my eyes.

May I suggest, the next time you see a BLUE ROSE, don't turn your head and
Walk off. Take the time to smile and say Hello. Why? Because, by the grace
Of GOD, this mother or father could be you. This could be your child,
Grandchild, niece or nephew. What a difference a moment can mean to that
Person or their family.

From an old dandelion! Live simply. Love generously. Care deeply. Speak
Kindly. Leave the rest to God.

"People will forget what you said, People will forget what you did, but
People will never forget how you made them feel!" 

We have been blessed with 3 beautiful blue roses, along with a glowing sunflower. I of course am a dandelion and feel so unworthy at times to be among such rare and strong flowers. I hope that next time you are in the presence of a blue flower you will allow God to speak to you through them. Most people would or have said, but your 3 blue roses cannot speak. I must beg to differ! Even though they do not communicate with words their lives speak volumes. I have learned more from their lives than I have from Billy Graham, Abraham Lincoln and the finest teachers Newton County had to offer way back when. I hold those people I mentioned in high regard but still I have indeed learned more from the blue roses God trusted in my care.