Sometimes I'm Tempted To Suppose

Sometimes I’m tempted to suppose life lovelier without the rain... A year ago today was also rainy, the day we huddled solemnly beneath umbrellas, around a freshly dug grave; the grave of Dear Lucywhile our tears and nature's tears mingled... Sometimes I’m tempted to suppose the rose sweeter without its thorn... Sometimes I’m tempted to suppose the rose sweeter without its thornLove better without loss or pricks, life kinder without ups and downsOr battles between wrong and right, or tug-of-wars that leave us tornTwixt Now and scenes perfected by what we forget of faded frowns Sometimes I’m tempted to suppose life lovelier without the rainHappiness fuller without pain of broken bodies, dreams and heartsOr weariness from tolls of toil and pangs of till-we-meet-againBut then how would we recognize the prize of highs, life's low imparts Without the hill how would we thrill at views while filled with speechless thanksWould triumph be as sweet without the test of spirit, strength and limb?Without the thorn would roses rise to calls reserved for rarer ranksWithout loss, push and shove, could love compose a truly noble hymn? Sometimes I’m tempted to suppose Plan without interruption bestHope choicer, without waiting for the timing/answer only God bestowsEasy Street more appealing than the twists and turns of bitter testBut then, without the thorns of life how would we recognize its rose? Janet Martin James 1:2-4Consider it pure joy, my brothers, when you encounter trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Allow perseverance to finish its work, so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.