Blue Roses by Pastor Hal Steenson

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It was time for me to do my "dollar store" run. I scurried around the store, gathered up my goodies, and headed for the checkout only to be blocked in the narrow aisle by a young man who appeared to be about sixteen years old.

I wasn't in a hurry, so patiently waited for the boy to realize that I was there.

This was when he waved his hands excitedly in the air and declared in a loud voice,"Mummy," I'm over here.

It was obvious now, he was mentally challenged, and also startled as he saw me standing close to him, waiting to squeeze by. His eyes widened and surprise exploded on his face as I said, "Hey, Buddy,'what's your name?"

"My name is Denny and I am shopping with my mother,"he responded proudly.

"Wow,"I said,"that's a cool name: I wish my name was Denny, but my name is Hal. "

"Hal like Halloween?, he asked. "Yes,"I answered. "How old are you Denny?

"How old am I now, Mommy?" he asked his mother as she slowly came over from the next aisle. "You're fifteen years old Denny. Now be a good boy and let the man pass by."

I acknowledged her and continued to talk to Denny for several more minutes abour summer, bicycles and school. I watched the brown eyes dance with excitement because he was the centre of someones attention. He then abruptly turned and headed for the toy section. Denny's mom thanked me for taking the time to talk to her son. She told me that most people wouldn't even look at him much less talk to him.

I told her it was my pleasure, then I had no idea where the next words came from unless it was the Holy Spirit prompting me. I told her that......

There are plenty of red, yellow and pink roses in God's garden, however, Blue roses are very rare and should be appreciated for their beauty and distinctiveness. "You see, Denny is a "Blue Rose" and if someone does not stop and smell that rose with their heart and touch that rose with their kindness, then they have missed a blessing from God. She was silent for a second, then with a tear in her eye she asked, "Who are you"?

Without thinking I said, Öh, I am probably just a "daffodil or maybe even a dandelion," but I sure love living in God's garden.

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