A Rose is Not Just a Rose: Celebrating good things

 

Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good;

his love endures forever.

—1 Chronicles 16:34

I approached the kitchen table and caught glance of the single red rose, its stem stuck in a vase and head bowed toward me. Instantly, I wanted to bow my own head in shame. How could I have forgotten? My mind traveled back to the day before when I was shopping for groceries.

Shifting Shadows

Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.

—James 1:17

Having seen no shadow this morning, Punxsutawney Phil predicts an early spring. That is good news for me, as the winter months are lonely months. Cold weather and short-changed sunlight can hold me hostage inside my home, isolated from family and friends. I check my cell phone countless times to see if a loved one has texted. Has anyone wished me a good morning? Is anyone praying for me? Does anyone care how my day was?