The Determined Rose

A solitary rose determined
To rise on a single stem
Winter’s cold nor pasting rain
Subdued gentle beauty

One doughty rose
Autumn’s final guest
Reposed to greet winter
With dignity

Carol brought my attention to this solitary rose atop one of her rose bushes. She labeled it "the determined rose". I dedicate this short verse and an accompanying to the idea that a simple rose is determined to last as long as possible in spite of the weather.

Secondly, I found this refreshing notion that I don't need a lot of lists to be in accord with God's work.

"The kingdom of God life is not a matter of waking up each morning with a list of chores or an agenda to be tended to, left on our bedside table by the Holy Spirit for us while we slept. We wake up already immersed in a large story of creation and covenant, of Israel and Jesus, the story of Jesus and the stories that Jesus told. We let ourselves be formed by these formative stories, and especially as we listen to the stories that Jesus tells, get a feel forthe way he does it, the way he talks, the way he treats people, the Jesus way."
- Eugene Peterson, Tell It Slant: p. 154.