Stop and smell the roses

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A gentle breeze blew across the back yard yesterday morning and although it was cloudy, the smell of roses in bloom filled the air.  I put off what I had set out to do, went back in the house and heated up a cup of coffee, sat back down on the patio and just enjoyed the beauty of roses in bloom.

Not much was done around the house yesterday.  I spent most of the morning on the patio thinking of the things in my life which required thought and smelled the roses.  I think it was a most appropriate metaphor for the day I was having.

I get busy sometimes.  I work quite a bit.  I don't have much free time.  I don't usually just stop and smell the roses, figuratively, of course.  I don't think with our busy lives, most of us do.

Yesterday evening, I took a few hours off and went to church.  I had fun watching our church be the church.  We shared with the neighbors that live in or were just passing by the church.  We had hot dogs and I enjoyed watching the people react.  Some gratefully accepted what was offered.  Others lingered for a while and visited with some of the folks.  We sang happy birthday to a man who was walking his dog.  


I watched a young girl and her father grill up hot dogs.  I chatted with a couple of ladies about the flower beds June planted at the church.  I watched with a smile as two of the ladies walked the block looking for folks to share with.  I did this a little bit myself.  It was just fun to watch because some were skeptical about a free hot dog.  Nobody gave a sermon.  We just shared.


It was a great experience and the roses despite the cloudy day, smelled sweeter than they have for years.

Comments

  1. XanderJuly 6, 2011 at 2:18 PM

    You know how sometimes it seems that life is just throwing you one curved ball after another? Well, guess what, - you have a great way to respond! - you can use every opportunity, every single one, to be happy. Don't just take a shower - feel into and receive pleasure from the water on your skin. Don't just walk on the street - enjoy the fragrances of the trees and the flowers on your way. Don't just drive your car - sing karaoke to your favorite radio station.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Tami JoJuly 6, 2011 at 5:44 PM

    I think we all need to take that to heart. "Stop and smell the roses" in more ways than one. While doing this; thank-God for who he is, what he created, what he did for us on the cross,and what he has given us. I am sure there is more you can think of...just do not ask for anything at this time.
    Food for thought:
    Do you get tired of being ask for things? Can you imagine how God feels with the number of people in the world asking him for things and not thanking him or praising him?

    ReplyDelete
  3. Dale CooperJuly 7, 2011 at 2:10 AM

    It says in the Bible that we're to give thanks to God in everything, including trials and sorrow. Each day is another day to grow, to live, to be more like Christ and each day is a gift from God!

    ReplyDelete
  4. Tami JoJuly 7, 2011 at 8:03 AM

    You are totally correct. Sorry, I left that out =) I was just making the point to THANK God for things when smelling the roses...and not just ASK God for things.

    ReplyDelete

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