Many years ago, my adult daughter and I went to a Renaissance Festival. While we were there, we browsed the arts and crafts section where people dressed up in the clothing of that day sold a variety of things that represented that era.
In one little hut we came across a wooden rose. It was made from very thinly sliced wood which had been formed into a rosebud on a stem. It was then dyed or painted to make it look realistic. As we admired the intricacy of this rose, my daughter said this was for me, (since my name is Rose), and she bought it for me. Even though it wasn't a lot of money, it touched me deeply because I knew she didn't have a lot of extra money at the time.
Over the years, that rose has been moved around to different spots in the house for display and has finally settled in on top of my dresser in the bedroom where it's been for some time now. The other day, as I was dusting off the dresser and carefully moving the rose as I always do when cleaning, I thought back to when she bought it for me. It has lasted a long time in my home. Many other decorative items haven't lasted as long. I often purge these kinds of things when I'm in a decluttering frenzy. It's a little worn for the wear, the fabric leaves that were attached to the stem have fallen off, but I still treasure it.
I asked the Lord, "What is it about this rose that still touches me so deeply?"
His response came surprisingly quickly, "Because," He said, "She gave you this gift, not because it was your birthday, or Christmas, or Mother's Day, or any other holiday. She gave it to you, 'just because.'"
He paused and I let that sink in.
Then He continued, "I'm the same way. When my children come to Me, not because they have a need, or feel obligated, or simply because others around them are praying; but when they come to Me 'just because' they want to be near Me, and give Me their time, it touches Me, and I remember those times dearly."
I knew that He wasn't saying we shouldn't go to Him when we have a need. He didn't mean that at all, but that He treasures most deeply the 'just because' time we spend with Him. And I understood. He loves us deeply, and truly enjoys the simple, heart-felt gifts we give Him. Today, will you give Him a rose, just because?