If I was a rabbit or a deer, I would probably think that roses would make an especially tasty "snack" because of their fragrance, sweetness, and bright colors.
[Photo borrowed from Internet]
But can you imagine a rabbit's or deer's surprise if it chomped down on a beautiful rose bloom and got a mouth full of thorns? I don't think it would take but one time for it to decide that roses aren't as good as they look.
So, just as God gave all creatures great and small a way to protect themselves, He gave roses thorns, or "prickles," to protect them from animals that may eat or harm them. The thorns also discourage humans from smelling, touching, and picking them, too, allowing them to blossom and grow strong.
This brings me to the subject of this story which features some pictures I captured during a walk around our yard yesterday after a rain shower. We desperately needed the rain, and everything looked so clean and shimmery, I couldn't resist taking my camera with me.
One of the things that attracted my attention was the rose vine which grows on an arbor over a stone path on the side of our house. The leaves were heavy with raindrops that were clinging to them, literally defying the laws of gravity.
While I was pondering the "magical" raindrops, I couldn't help but notice how pretty the thorns were. I have felt their needle-like tips many times when admiring or photographing the roses on the vine, but I never noticed how beautiful they are until yesterday (you can click on the pictures to enlarge them, if you'd like).
I would like to close with this inspiring quote from Abraham Lincoln:
or rejoice because thorn bushes have roses.
