And lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the

revelations, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of

Satan to buffet me, lest I should be exalted above measure. 2 Corinthians

12:7.

The rose in all its beauty

Shares its glory in wonder fair.

Lures us to its presence

As its fragrance fills the air.

But the rose has a secret

Of which some are unaware.

It has thorns among its branches

Admonishing all to beware.

For while some are beholding,

Taking a specimen to share,

Soon find a familiar sting

As the thorn finds its mark there.

So our good Lord in wisdom

Knows exactly what we need,

And sends us a thorn in the flesh

As upon His grace we feed.

The thorn is very painful

But the Lord in mercy knows

Our load and our load limit

As His love He sweetly bestows.

The thorn is the Lord's message

Lest we be exalted above measure;

It is sent by Him to refine us

As it seems right in His good pleasure.

So trust Him, my friend,

Let the thorn its work do.

The Lord knows what He's doing

And will take good care of you.

Gene Griffin

2/26/05