R: Roses with Thorns

R: ROSES WITH THORNS

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

You cannot show people only the petals and not the thorns. It’s not fair to them.
Bethenny Frankel

The quote by Alphonse Karr caught my attention one day. I began thinking about the many situations in our lives can be likened either to roses or thorns. Unfortunately, the prickly thorns cause us the pain and end up on center stage.

To fully embrace life, we need to acknowledge both aspects – the fragrant beauties and the annoying, painful parts. Sometimes a minor shift in our attitude makes a huge difference in our happiness. Instead of always grumbling about the thorns we wish weren’t part of life, maybe we should focus on our gratitude for the lovely, scented roses that bless us.

When I was looking for the quote, to write this post, I came across a book that incorporated this concept of roses and thorns. I haven’t read it, I just added it to my list this week. I’ll be looking for it though – as soon as the A to Z Challenge is over. Here’s a question and answer interview with the author that was interesting.

Q&A: Margaret Dilloway, Author of The Care and Handling of Roses with Thorns

Today, say a word of thanks for the roses in your life, even if they came with a few thorns attached.