Roses: On Closer Inspection

Many roses from a distance
Look quite perfect, pink or red,
But on careful, close inspection
Oft a blemish can be read:

Holes and tears and marks and scratches,
Faded color, wilted leaves –
Much to disappoint a viewer,
And the tender heart it grieves.

But a few will stand inspection,
Blushing fair beneath our gaze,
Beauty blooming as we see it
Neath the sun’s warm, shining rays:

Every petal plump and pretty –
All to make a stunning whole –
Painted delicate and rosy,
Reaching out to touch the soul.

Lives are something like these roses –
From a distance many glow,
But the Savior ever near us
All the truth must always know.

Will our lives look good to others,
Loving praise of men and show,
While we disappoint our Savior
Who has shown He loves us so?

Or with quiet, faithful living,
For God’s eyes and praise alone,
Will we be a glowing witness –
‘Christ is real, He is my own.’

Christina Joy Hommes