Hello everyone,
I had the most wonderful experience that I simply had to share with you. There’s a florist in town, Highland Flowers, that annually has a day that they give away one dozen roses to anyone who comes in their shop. Yes, anyone. Can you imagine? Yes there’s a catch – you get to keep one and then give away the other 11 to bless others. This gives so many people a way to show appreciation to a special friend, bring a little joy to someone who may be going through a difficult time, or someone who has gone out of their way to help them. You can bless the mail carrier, store clerk, receptionist at the doctor’s office, a kind neighbor – whoever you’d like to bless with a thank you for their hard work or for just being there for you in case of need.
I was so blessed that day! I saw the ad in the paper the week before and got more excited as the day approached. I couldn’t wait to see the look on people’s faces when they received the rose. I went about delivering my surprise gift and it gave me such joy to be able to bless each one. The only disappointment were the few people that I called to give one to that weren’t home.
Sometimes, due to busy schedules or lack of funds, we’re not able to bless people as much or as often as we’d like. This florist gave everyone a chance to either be blessed or be a blessing. I know I received both. I received so much joy by being able to make a few people happy and let them know that I appreciate them.
I’m sure it cost this florist a great amount of money to do this. However, I’m certain that God will bless them abundantly for giving joy to so many people. I wonder how many lives were touched by their generosity?
Everyone needs a special touch at times. I find that so often I miss the opportunity to bless someone – even if with just an encouraging word. I think of the elderly, many are alone without family close by and many have out-lived their friends. I think of the widow who misses her husband and his loving support. I think of the children, so many without proper food or clothing.
Some need big things. Some just would like a hug, or someone to give them a call to let them know that they’re thinking of them. Let’s be Jesus’ hands and mouth. Let’s notice these little opportunities that may be very small to us – but mean a lot to them.
Share a rose – or a word of encouragement – and receive back so much more!
Blessings, Evelyn
“Beauty for ashes”…. I’m so touched by this florist’s wonderful idea about the roses! Surely, G-d will bless them for their generous spirit. He loves generosity and giving, because that’s His own nature. Thanks, Evelyn, for this powerful word picture – giving out the roses – for us to keep in mind as we go about our day and allow the L-RD to show us how we can give each one we encounter a “rose.”
It’s also a timely message as we in Israel, and Jews around the world, are preparing for the new year (Rosh Hashanah) by repenting of ways that have not been so pleasing to G-d. May we learn and display more of His loving and giving ways this new year!
Dear Dawn,
Thank you for your response. I can tell you have a kind and senstive heart for others, and that you are a great blessing to all those that know you.
Wouln’t it be wonderful if everyone in the world would be showing kindness and love to one another!
Blessings, Evelyn
What a wonderful idea this florist had !!
So many lives were brightened by his generosity.
Excellent thoughts Evelyn. Everyone needs the grace and encouragement we constantly receive from the Lord. It almost always comes through weak vessels like us, and it does cost something to give. But what a privilege. Thanks.
Your brother in Christ, Barry
…”I am filled with comfort; I am overflowing with joy in all our affliction. For even when we came into Macedonia our flesh had no rest, but we were afflicted on every side; conflicts without, fears within. But God, who comforts the depressed, comforted us by the coming of Titus;” 2 Cor. 7:4-6
“For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though He was rich, yet for your sake He became poor, that you through His poverty might become rich.” 2 Corinthians 8:9
Dear Ardeth,
Wouldn’t it be wonderful if more businesses did this! It sure would brighten people’s day – those on the receiving end and those on the giving end.
Blessings, Evelyn
Dear Barry,
Thank you for responding. You have terrific insight! Yes it does cost to give, yet we receive so much more by doing so. I think the Lord must smile at each little thing we do for another. What we may think is so small we even forget doing it, touches His heart in ways we may never fully know or understand.
Blessings, Evelyn