One bloom

     In case you aren't familiar with this particular type of flower, it is called "The Persevering Against All Possible Odds Rose."   Yes, this rare type of rose grows only in the Fountain's yard where the two forlorn rose bushes are never--and I mean never--pruned, fertilized, or cared for in any manner whatsoever.  I admit this to my utter shame, but my full disclosure should give you a greater sense of wonder and admiration for "The Persevering Against All Possible Odds Rose." (PAAPOR for short--doesn't that have a snappy ring to it?)
     Yes, loads of her sissy, wimpy cousins flourish in yards where they have fancy men in a white truck that come and slather them with all manner of fertilizer and bug repellent and other assorted potions to enable them to grow and produce loads of beautiful blooms. But still, wouldn't any flower flourish under such excessively luxurious conditions?  They're gorgeous...but then, why shouldn't they be?--they live on easy street.
     But not our hardy PAAPOR!  No sir!  Despite the negligence, ignorance, and lack of all gardening prowess or desire by her caretakers,  our little PAAPOR bloomed anyway!  Incredible!  In fact, I was stunned one morning when I looked over toward the boxwood bushes and there she was: one perfect blossom, opening up her pale pink blooms to a sun-splashed fall day as if in celebration of life.  Just one solitary bloom, but that was enough.  Thank You Lord for the gift of her beauty...her persevering beauty.
     This all brought to mind a quote I read just the other day by French novelist Alphonse Karr: "Some people are always grumbling because roses have thorns; I am thankful that thorns have roses."  Amen.  Sometimes we need a little reminder, don't we?
     So today, I'm thankful for PAAPOR, for fall days, for roses--and even for thorns--and for their lessons on perseverance, perspective, and gratitude.  Just a little more ammunition in the war against complaining!  Keep us grateful for You and Your gifts, Father.  To God be the glory.