Gathering the Rosebuds

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Apr 2, 1914

Gathering the Rosebuds

“O, it is a pity to cut them!” exclaimed the caller to the generous one in the flower garden, as she led the way from bush to bush and cut the most beautiful blooms from each for the caller to carry home with her. The owner of the flower garden laughed as her sharp scissors snipped off another lovely bloom.

“They last only a day or two. You might just as well have them and enjoy them while they are in their beauty,” she answered, and put the great bunch of fragrant blooms into the other’s hands.

There are many things in life that are like the blossoms in the flower garden. They come and brighten a day or an hour and are gone; they are not meant to be hoarded in miserly fashion, but to be shared and passed on, and so made to bring joy to as many as possible while they last.

Young people can take a lesson from the incident. They have youth, energy, and enthusiasm. How are they using these? Selfishly, for just their own good or pleasure? Or are they sharing them with those who may have none of these beautiful things; giving freely of their own abundance that others may forget the burdening years, and under the inspiration of their help do good things that they could not accomplish alone?

It is a wonderful and beautiful thing to gather the rosebuds of life and pass them on to others. Do not put it off until the flower blooms and fades and the opportunity is gone. Better to—

“Gather ye rosebuds while ye may, Old time is still a-flying; And this same flower that smiles today, Tomorrow will be dying.” — Onward.