Roses and Thorns

Some people are always grumbling that roses have thorns;
I am thankful that thorns have roses.
-Alphonse Karr

Autism. It has taken our precious little 5 year old girl and given her the intellect of a toddler. It has caused her to venture off into a world that our family sometimes is not a part of. A world where we can only guess what she is thinking, or saying for that matter.

It is a thorn. An ugly thick pricking thorn. It took me a long time to realize that there was a rose attached to it. I hated the fact that my daughter sometimes didnt recognize me, say my name, acknowledge her siblings or father. How could there be anything good in something like that?

But there is. There is such beauty in the tragedy.

We watch her master new things everyday- new things that others take for granted. This week she learned the word “Help”. How simple that would be for the average person. For her, it wasnt so simple. But she did it, and now she can finally ask for help when she needs it instead of becoming frustrated and giving up.

It is easy for me to look at our circumstances and only see the hardships. A transplant at 5 months old, a terminal illness at birth, and the whammy of autism. But because of that transplant, my daughter has life. Because of that terminal illness, my family loves more passionately. Because of Autism, we have learned compassion in a way that most will never know.

There is a rose at the end of this thorny stem, and despite my struggles with those thorns, I am thankful for them. They, in their own way are a blessing.

Rejoice Always
Pray without ceasing
In everything give thanks
-Thessalonians 5:16-18

Thank you for the hard times. Thank you for placing those times in our lives to draw us closer to you. Thank you for reminding me that even when I dont feel you, you are right there, and you care. Help me realize that your timing is perfect, and that you are concerned with our pain and our suffering.
Thank you for promising to hold us through the heartache.

Discussion:
What thorns in your life are you thankful for today? How does Christ use those thorns to remind you of his Grace and Love? How do you personally use those thorns to minister to others?

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