Be the rose, not the thorn

The rose has a special place in my heart. Both my Grandmothers had this name in their titles and it was also my Mum's middle name. There is something quite enchanting about the rose and a hardiness in strength and yet also this spectacular beauty too. Many is the time I've cursed when a barb attaches itself to my skin but then it soon cools to fascination when you see the bloom.

When a rose bush comes to full bloom you are greeted by a canvas of colour, be it yellow, red, pink or whatever shade may come into being. Just remember not to get too close though for those thorns are rather proficient at drawing blood.

We can ascertain similarities with our lives when looking at the rose. Many is the time when our words and deeds may stray into an unfortunate acerbic nature as opposed to one of grace and favour. The thorns we develop over our lifetime have a sharpness of their own and if we are not careful we may become embroiled in the bitterness of those talons we wield.

It is when we relent, and let go that we enter the state of the flower. In this space we discover our purpose, our ascension and this wonderful state of being. When we cross this threshold there is this peace that pervades each part of us.

However, many remember we still have those thorns at our side. A moment's aberration and they are displayed like a spiky coat of arms. The full fury comes to the boil and overflows like a lava cascade on those unfortunate enough to incurred our wrath. Alas the flower is forsaken whilst this caustic nature avails itself.

Yet as the years pass many of us recognise the thorns are not needed quite so much. We prefer instead to seek the sanctuary of the flower, the beauty to be enjoyed while we can savour it's delight and when the bloom withers, instead of lining our bodies with thorns there is this gentle sense of calm and patience.

Let us find the grace of the rose rather than the spite. Let the world around you settle down as you find the gift of a smile for all that you bear witness too. It's quite a lofty aspiration but one that would all bring us so much.

I am for the bloom, are you? Please do share your thoughts below.