Life Through the Lens: The lesson of the stunted rosebud

This post was contributed by Kevin Schrapel.

There it lay on the footpath, under a rose bush which grows the most beautiful flowers in our garden.

Assuming it was a bit of dried-up-something, I started to kick it off the path.

Then, for some reason, picking it up, I recognised what it was: a dried-up rosebud.

This bud was once full of potential to be a thing of beauty, something which would bring colour and joy to many.

It now lay dead, dried up and about to be kicked into uselessness.

What a sad waste, simply because it was somehow broken off from its source of nourishment.

It would not have removed itself!

No one wants to lead a life of unfulfilled potential.

We come into this world and soon ask ourselves, “What I will be when I grow up?”

We see our potential to be someone grand, beautiful, incredible, bringing joy and colour to the world.

Observe the many toddling, aspiring astronauts, or the would-be surgeons, kindergarten stethoscopes plugged into ears, seriously diagnosing armless dolls.

Step aside for the selfless, one-metre-tall firefighters racing toward imaginary flames.

The flourishing buds are there, but sadly, many never realise their potential.

What breaks these buds and causes them to lie, dried up, only recognised if we stop and look closely?

Is it the times we live in?

Is it a lack of care?

Are we all too busy?

Do our eyes too often focus internally?

The bud I found was way beyond saving.

But for each of us, and anyone else who feels cut off and broken, Jesus said “come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest; take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls” (Matthew 11:28-29).

Jesus makes the offer to help and restore those broken and hurting.

But that does not let the rest of us off the hook.

God also tells us through St Paul: “we who are strong ought to bear with the failings of the weak and not to please ourselves” (Romans 15:1).

When we have an opportunity, we are to help another grow, blossom and reach their full potential.

When we do this, it is being like Jesus and gives glory to a loving God.

Watch for buds whom you can help blossom.

Ask Jesus to show you who and how.

Let’s fill the world with blossoms.

God bless.

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