Take the Time to Smell God’s Roses

When I was asked to write an article for this month’s Seton Magazine, my first thought was, “I am too busy!” My desk was cluttered with projects, and there were what seemed to be a million phone calls and emails to be answered. It was 3 p.m. and I had not even had lunch. I politely answered that I would think about it and went right back to work. I did not willingly accept the rose that God had offered me.

Writing is a rose in my life. It allows me to reflect on all that is going on in my busy existence. I enjoy it. It calms my soul. It allows me to breathe.

Roses are a gift from God. They take us away from a moment and give us a time to rest and reflect on the important things in life. God’s roses call us to reconnect with someone or something that brings joy to our lives. They remind us about God’s purpose for us on earth.

God gives us roses every day. It is our job to recognize and accept them with joy.

Enjoy the Roses

So many times in life, we forget to take time to enjoy the roses. Sometimes, we even refuse them when given to us. The nagging agony of a busy life strips time away from the people and things most important in our lives. We swallow the guilt felt when we do not accept the roses.

The times we feel bad when our four-year-old asks to play a game and is rejected once again because dinner must be cleaned up. When a call from an aging relative is cut short because our child needs help with math. When a spiritual book given to us by a priest is put aside to be read “when I have time.” When an invitation from a friend to take a walk is rejected.

When we homeschool, it often feels difficult–impossible–to find time for the roses. Sometimes, roses are offered when we are most
stressed in our lives. These are the times when accepting God’s roses is most important. Roses are God’s way of telling you to take a break.

On a day when your temperature is at the boiling point, take a trip to a museum to admire art, to a park to explore God’s creation, or to anywhere else that will cool your mind. Everyone needs to step outside of “everyday life” once in a while. If the water seems to be consistently boiling, give our counselors a call to talk things out and refresh your mind. These roses are being extended to you if you need them.

Finding Roses

Today, a week later, I accepted the rose that God gave to me. When I finally accepted this rose, God gave me another–the words I have written here today. I took time out of my busy workday to write this. The interesting thing is that I did not have any interruptions while writing this. God knew that I needed a break from the usual. My soul is quiet and happy.

Make time to find and accept the roses that God gives you in life. Willingly embrace them. Smell their sweet fragrance touched by angels’ breath. With proper tending, their precious velvet petals will bring you greater peace in a moment and closer to God’s Heavenly garden.

About Laura Fusto

Laura Fusto received her BA in Communications from McDaniel College. She and her husband, John, have been blessed with three daughters. In her spare time, she enjoys gardening, golfing, shopping with her daughters, and playing pinochle with her husband and their friends.