For years I have grown roses. not as well as I would like to, but it seems that they are able to grow even despite all that I do or don’t do. often, I pick them for my wife. the ones she likes best are the old red ones that have an amazing scent. last time I picked one for her, I noticed something. when the rose is simply in bud form, all its beauty is hidden, yet to open to the world. then when it opens, the petals are tight and closed, you can see there is something there but it’s just a small hint. as the flower continues its life, it opens itself more, exposes itself more and more to the elements. in its early blossoming you can see and sense its promise. the colour is bright and the scent enticing. yet it’s not until the rose is fully exposed that you discover its exquisiteness. not until it has made itself totally vulnerable to the elements and to its enemies, open to giving everything that it has, do you see the velvety strength and beauty of each petal. not till this point does it release its powerful and magnificent scent. not till it is fully open to give itself and to bathe in the light or rain, does it show its full glory. vulnerability opens it up to its fullness. I wonder if vulnerability can also do the same for us? if in vulnerability we might find our greatest strength?