Rose at Mt. Angel

We are drawn to roses not only because of their color and smell, but because of the mystery of their unfolding. A rosebud is tight and mysterious, holding a hint of the beauty inside but revealing little. As the tight curl at the top begins to open, it invites us to gaze down into its depths and ponder the beauty beneath, though we can only imagine its full depth and color. And then, one by one, the petals unfold, revealing in ever-increasing completeness the loving touch of the Creator.

Perhaps each of us is a rose. We wrap ourselves up pretty tightly at first, not sure who we are, not sure we want anyone to see or know us. But throughout life, if we keep being nourished by the showers and sun of God's grace, we gradually dare to unfold, revealing ever-new layers of mystery and beauty. Even though bodies age, new depths can be revealed, and fresh petals can unfold. And perhaps our own depths won't be fully revealed until we are finally gathered into God's great bouquet in the heavenly throne room where God, who exhaled the breath of life into our bodies, will inhale--with great pleasure and satisfaction--our full and complete beauty.
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