This story was given to me when Eldy died by my friend Marisa Lamm, whose son died under similar circumstances. Her Bishop Bob Southworth wrote it for her.
The remorseful gardeners approached the Master Gardener quietly. His loving eyes gazed into theirs as He asked, "Why weepest thou?"
One of the gardeners stepped forward and answered, "The rose which you gave us to watch over, to care for, to nurture, to tend - has died. We feel that we have failed in our stewardship as keepers of this garden."
The Master replied, "Show me the rose."
The gardeners lead the Master to the thorny bush. One of them pointed and said, "It was once a very beautiful rose, with many blossoms and few thorns and those who beheld its beauty were forever touched."
Another gardener added, "But as time passed, we noticed that the plant took on illness and disease. And as the disease grew, so did the thorns. The thorns that were intended to protect the plant from harm also kept us from closely nurturing it and caring for it."
The Master watched and listened as each of the gardeners spoke.
"We tried to cut back the thorns and tend the plant, but each time the thorns grew back in greater strength and the blossoms diminished further."
The gardeners wept.
The Master walked over to the bush and began softly pushing the thorny branches aside as He reached down deep into the center of the plant. As the gardeners watched, He pulled forth a small, delicate rose - perfect in its form, yet wilted and drooping.
The Master spoke, "This rose is not dead." he said softly. "This rose needs the healing touch that only I can provide. For a season, I will take this rose to my garden and with under my care will I tend it, love it, heal it, and nurture it back to health. This rose needs the protection of my garden as it is free of disease and thorns. Once this rose regains its beauty and health, I will bring it back to you so that you can be reunited once again."
The Master continued, "Sometimes disease afflicts the finest of roses in this earthly garden, and some illnesses you do not have power to heal. Do not be saddened thinking that all is lost and the you have failed. Your efforts are acceptable to me. I will fill the void between what you can provide and what is needed for eternal life. Know that I love each of you beyond measure.
Now lift up your hearts and be glad - for this Rose liveth and will be restored once again to its perfect form and beauty and will return to you again in a season. Now go to, and continue on in your valiant efforts, looking after the other roses in your garden.
The Master smiled a loving and warm smile, then kissed each gardener and departed - carefully holding the delicate rose in his pierced hands.
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