Behind my garage, close to the vegetable gardens we have carefully cultivated the last several years, grows a plant.  It is a plant many of you would be familiar with.  It is tall.  It is green.  It is sharp and thorny.  At the top of this five foot sentinel is a blossom of the most beautiful purple.  Surrounding this flower is a crown of thorns – closely guarding the jewel from what possible harm, I do not know. 

The plant?  It’s a thistle.  We’re all familiar with those, aren’t we?  Why don’t I pull this weed out by its roots?  Because, the imagery of this flowering blossom surrounded by the crown of thorns reminds me of Jesus on the Cross.  The thistle itself serves reminder that no matter the thorny nature or the name we are called (a weed for heaven’s sake!) all God’s creations are meaningful and beautiful.  I’ve known many thistles in my life.  When more closely observed or more intimately known, that thorny thistle reveals a beautiful blossom.  I’ve been a thistle myself.  I like to think there’s a beautiful flower in all of us. 

Peace to you,

Patrick