This story was sent to me today and I thought I would share it here:
THREE YELLOW ROSES
I walked into the grocery store not particularly interested in buying groceries. I wasn't hungry. The pain of losing my husband was still too raw. And this grocery store held so many sweet memories.
He often came with me and almost every time he'd pretend to go off and look for something special. I knew what he was up to. I'd always spot him walking down the aisle with three yellow roses in his hand.
He knew I loved yellow roses. With a heart filled with grief, I only wanted to buy my few items and leave as even grocery shopping was difficult since he had passed on.
Shopping as a single took time, a little more thought than it had for two.
Standing by the meat, I searched for the perfect small steak and remembered how he loved a juicy steak.
Suddenly a woman stepped beside me. She was lovely in a soft green pantsuit. I watched as she picked up a large package of T-bones, dropped them in her basket....hesitated, and then put them back. She turned to go and once again reached for the pack of steaks
She saw me watching her and smiled. 'My husband loves T-bones, but honestly, at these prices, I don't know.'
I swallowed the emotion and met her sparkling eyes.
'My husband passed away eight days ago,' I told her. Glancing at the package in her hands, I fought to control the tremble in my voice. 'Buy him the steaks. And cherish every moment you have together.'
She nodded her head - I saw the emotion in her eyes as she placed the package in her basket and wheeled away.
I turned and pushed my cart across the length of the store to the dairy products. There I stood, trying to decide which size milk I should buy. A quart, I finally decided and moved on....
I looked down the aisle toward the front. I saw a green suit, then recognized the pretty lady coming toward me. In her arms she carried a package. On her face was the brightest smile I had ever seen. I think a soft halo encircled her head as she kept walking toward me, her eyes holding mine.
As she came closer, I saw what she held and tears began misting in my eyes. 'These are for you,' she said and placed three beautiful long stemmed yellow roses in my arms. 'When you go through the line, they will know these are paid for.' She leaned over and placed a gentle kiss on my cheek, then smiled again. I wanted to tell her what she'd done, what the roses meant, but still unable to speak, I watched as she walked away, tears clouding my vision.
I looked down at the beautiful roses nestled in the tissue wrapping and found it almost unreal. How did she know? Suddenly the answer seemed so clear. I wasn't alone. God knows how to bless each one of us as He knows our heart's desire......what a GOOD GOD we have!
Living with a thankful heart:
Even though I clutch my blanket and pull it up over my ears when the alarm rings, Thank You, Lord, that I can hear. There are many who are deaf.
Even though I keep my eyes closed against the morning light for a few minutes, as I pray, Thank You, Lord, that I can see. Many are blind.
Even though I huddle in my bed and put off rising, Thank You, Lord, that I have the strength to get up. There are many who are bedridden.
Thank You, Lord, for my family and friends. There are many who are lonely.
Thank You, Lord, for the food I have. There are many who are hungry.
Thank you, Lord, for the opportunity to work. There are many who have no job.
Thank you, Lord, for life and for the GOOD PLANS You have for me and my loved ones....
