To fall in love with God is the greatest romance; to seek him the greatest adventure; to find him, the greatest human achievement.– Saint Augustine
Recently my husband and I ran away to the coast for an overnight trip. We needed to escape the valley’s intense heat. With no plans made, we left the entire holiday in God’s hands, knowing whatever time spent there would be on a shoestring.
I’ve never experienced such a blessed time.
The hotel offered us a room with a view and allowed us early check-in— at 11:00 am. We enjoyed our homemade picnic lunch on our room’s balcony, watching waves undulate and kites dive and soar. We stopped by an independent bookstore. The owner paid close attention as my husband and I described our taste in books, then selected a few for us to enjoy.
Then we decided to take a stroll along the strand. Oregon’s coastline is unlike that of many states, in that it’s usually uncrowded, and that day was no different. As we walked along, I beachcombed, bent as a seagull in search of its next meal. What treasures would I find?
The further we walked, the quieter the beach became, until we were the only people walking that stretch. I spotted something reddish far off, just where the tide smoothed the shore. It seemed out of place. I straightened up and altered my course. The nearer I came, the more obvious it was.
There in the sand lay a long-stemmed red rose, the receding tide now lapping a few feet from it. Sand cushioned its petals, and its stem pointed toward the sea. It looked like a picture of grace resting there, so poignant I didn’t dare touch it.
I wondered about this bud. Had someone tossed it from a boat, saying a final farewell to a loved one, or had it been dropped carelessly during a romantic moment shared by two lovers? What was the story behind this flower?
Stepping away, I glanced in the direction we were headed. About every thirty feet along the shoreline lay another perfect red rose, each drowsing soft as silk on a bed of sand. We followed the trail until we’d counted a full dozen. The sight was so beautiful, even mysterious, that I sighed.
At that moment I stopped questioning the history of this bouquet. That question no longer carried weight. I’d heard God’s whisper.
The Lord had blessed me with a dozen red roses. Like a love song playing over the airwaves, each listener’s heart touched in a unique way, it didn’t make any difference who had first received them, or who might be the last to see the velvety petals before the sea finally claimed them. All that mattered at that moment was to stand on the beach where God had planted us and listen. His message, magnificent in its tenderness, came through as the sun’s rays pierced the gray skies, the lacy spindrift forming scallops along the shore, and the blossoms, so fragile, so red. My heart swelled.
I can’t guess what any of the others walking that lonely stretch felt when they stumbled onto this masterpiece of power and vulnerability, if they were touched, intrigued or even noticed.
I only know what I sensed. I am loved. Perfectly and completely. Enough for a dozen long-stemmed roses.
Very sweet story–isn’t God amazing?
Absolutely, Sue. He constantly knows just what I need to love Him— and myself— authentically. He raches for each of us in a way we can understand.
Heidi, I love the joyful mystery He orchestrated for you. So glad it delighted your soul. It reminds me to be watchful for His unexpected gifts, too.
Thank you, Karen. I was hoping this story would open other’s eyes to His quiet movement in our lives. <3
beautiful reminder of God’s love…thank you for sharing this experience with us
Thank you, Sue. It was a reminder I needed, even craved.
Love this! My mind is spinning trying to figure out all the possibilities of how/why those roses were out there–but you’re right! They were there for you. 🙂
I agree, Karen. Such a lovely mystery. I only know the message He spoke to me through them. I think that was a very blessed bouquet to mean so much to so many.
That was truly beautiful. I felt like I was there walking with you. Such a blessing.
Thank you, friend. I was blessed deeply. Flowers speak to me anyway, but for God to use them in that way … I wonder hoow many people were touched that day?
Don’t you just love God’s creative love notes? A poignant, thoughtful message Heidi. Bless you for sharing.
Thank you, Jan. I’m glad you enjoyed it.
Love this! What a sweet reminder of God’s love.
You stumbled upon quite the romantic scene…
My husband and I passed a happy couple on a hike one time. They were coming down from the peak and we were on our way up. The rose petals blanketing the trail at the top explained their joy. 🙂
Thank you, Heather. What fun it would have been to stumble onto those rose petals. Thank you for sharing your story!
A lovely story! Thanks for sharing it. Good is so wonderful in the ways He shows each of us how we are loved in the way that will speak to us. I’m am still quite curious how those roses got there. I do hope it was through a happy circumstance.
Thanks, Linda. I like to daydream about the mystery of those roses myself. Maybe they belong in one of my books. 🙂 I truly love the way God knows each of His followers “language” so well.
Love your story. My wedding flowers were red roses.
Thank you, Dawn. How beautiful your bouquet must have been!
What a beautiful story of God’s lovingcare for us. How He gives us what we need when we need it & reminds us in so many ways of His everlasting love.
Thank you, Pinky. I’m glad it was a good reminder.
Heidi, what an amazing story of God surprising us with a love note. This reminds me of two Bible verses I love. To me these two verses speak volumes just like the dozen red roses spoke to you. Zephaniah 3:17 testifies that the Father delights in us and rejoices over us with singing. Thank you for sharing your beautiful story of the Father’s delight in you and the song He sang to you (and is still singing as you share this story and remember) as you walked on the beach. Psalms 34:8 tells us to Taste and See that the LORD is good. Blessings to you as you reach others by sharing our Creator and Savior’s love.
Thank you, Judy. Your verses fit the sitation perfectly! Is there any time in our lives when a verse doesn’t apply? I see you are affiliated with the Taste and See conference. Wonderful!
Oh wow, Heidi!
What a blessing that must have been!
I loved this story! I’m trying to be observant of the many ways God blesses me daily. At work they are calling it being “mindfull,” but I think it’s just paying attention to all the ways God shows us His love!
Thanks for sharing this with us!
It’s STILL blessing me, Marylin, every time I think back on it. Isn’t it fun searching for Him in the details of our lives— and finding Him? <3