Red Rose
An autumn adventure to the countryside of the Carolinas revealed a masterpiece of fall foliage created by our Heavenly Father where the red rose became the centerpiece of many encounters.
After a full day of air travel, we collected our bags and proceeded to the car rental check-in only to discover an extra long line of travelers. I took a deep breath and asked for patience. And, as often happens, we began sharing travel stories with others in line. The atmosphere turned to pleasant as we all made the most of it. I found myself being reminded that God calls on us to trust in Him with patient hearts. I found myself quietly whispering Bible verses and sensing a peaceful comfort.
Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. Romans 12:2
Be completely humble and gentle, be patient, bearing with one another in love. Ephesians 4:2
As we reached the front of the line, Mary and Sue, who both looked exhausted, greeted us with big smiles and a calm that set us immediately at ease. I noticed that Mary had an angel pin on her jacket and Sue had a couple of tattoos on her arm: a red rose, some bible verses, and a cross. After we finished the paper work, we found ourselves sharing in conversations about our love for God and how He has blessed our lives and the lives of our families. We drew closer to one another, gathering in a small circle to share in prayer. Mary asked us to pray for her husband’s health while Sue asked us to pray for a new job path to be revealed.
When we turned around, the line of weary travelers behind us had dissipated. What a wonderful gift from God it is to be able to call upon Him anywhere and at anytime and be free in fellowship with strangers who quickly become new friends. What a joy it is to create a church atmosphere when two or more gather in His presence, share what is on their hearts, and praise His glory.
God had just given me a glimpse of what was in store for us in the days ahead.
We arrived at our hotel, nestled in the tranquility of the Blue Ridge Mountains. As the afternoon sun began to set behind the rolling mountains, they became washed in a vibrant blue as if God himself had brushed a stroke of paint across them. The beauty of these majestic mountains was mesmerizing. I felt as though I could sit all day watching them transform with the changing light.
A few hours later, we prepared for dinner. When we entered the dining room, we were greeted with kind smiles and warm hospitality. The host escorted us to a table with a wonderful picture window view of the mountains. As we sat down, the host shared how nice it was to have a rose in a vase on the table again. He continued, “You see, we have been unable to get these roses, which are the signature of the hotel, for 14 months. And now, to have them back again, and to share them with our guests, it’s like a message from above that things are getting better for our restaurant and our industry as a whole.”
For the next several days, we embraced the hearts of those who crossed our path. We listened to their voices and learned of His miracles and blessings in their lives. We found ourselves being blessed by their testimonies. Each story was a gifted message from God to not only cherish in that moment but to carry forward in our daily walk of life.
We heard stories about patience; about miraculous healing from near-death sickness; about a mother’s faith and endurance after the loss of a couple of miscarriages; about a celebrated 80th birthday and a 65th wedding anniversary built on God’s love.
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of Holy Spirit. Romans 15:13
Each time we heard from the hearts of our new friends, we found ourselves rejoicing in celebrated laughter and sometimes tears of joyous praising. I would catch myself looking at the red rose simply placed at the center of the table, as if God were showing us that, yes, He is with us in the center of our hearts and in all of our conversations if we are willing to invite Him in. His presence offers one’s soul endless hope to live a life filled with joyous blessings.
When I arrived home from our travels, I went to my studio and quietly began to read through my journal of names and notes from my new travels. I found my heart filled with curiosity: Why did God use the symbolism of the simple red rose to encourage all of us during our gifted fellowship time? In addition to symbolizing passion and sacrifice, the red rose symbolizes untold faith and love of God.
That evening, I went to the garden and picked a single red rose and placed it in a vase in the center of my dining table. I encourage all of us to keep the eyes of hearts open to hear the voices of others and embrace God’s miracles every day. Treat yourself to a red rose this week and let God’s love bless your day.
