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Spring of Life -
H.
Roger Bothwell
The Last Rose of
Summer
I saw the most remarkable
thing this morning. As I was wondering about my yard I found
in an area sheltered by a wall and some rhododendron a small
rosebush with a one last blossom. There are a few things
surprising about this last flower. It is the third of
November. Last year at this time there was over a foot of
snow on that very spot but this year this small little
rosebush gave us one last gift. The second thing about this
is it is not a particularly hardy looking rosebush. Growing
where it does it does not receive much attention through the
year.
Once again I reminded of how
wrong I usually am when I attempt to make judgements about
things and people merely from a casual observation. People
especially are surprising.
I have some students who are
very good about melting into the ambiance of the classroom
and never distinguish himself or herself with a verbal
comment or question. Sometimes you almost forget they are
even present. On occasion I am almost stunned to read the
papers some of these quiet souls turn in. Sometimes from the
minds I was not sure were even turned on comes genuine
depth, real thought and meaningful responses to questions
asked.
I think all of us enjoy
being pleasantly surprised by people and rosebushes. It is
such a joy to discover beauty and intellect in unexpected
places. Walking in my yard I am pleased by this last bit of
color before all turns white and standing in my classroom I
am more than pleased by the brightness of a mind aware of
life’s challenges, responsibilities and
opportunities.
When I find it in the
classroom it is not the last rose of summer but often the
first bloom of an exciting life just beginning to blossom.
How grand!
I'm
Roger Bothwell and my address is hrb1@tiac.net
or 151 Old Farm Rd. Leominster, MA 01453. Thank you for your
support of our faith ministry.
Past
devotionals can be accessed at Archives
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