A trip to Paris is not complete without visiting the Rodin Museum, Especially in spring. When roses are in bloom, it is magical. The gardens boast of 2,000 rose bushes and over 100 different kinds of roses. The architect Jacques Sgard designed the landscape. He shares with us a naturalist theme that was popular in the 18th century. A naturalist garden will meet the needs of the gardener by using what nature has already given us.
Along the side of the museum, the roses bring us to one of Rodin's most well-known sculptures called "The Thinker." A bronze sculpture, placed on a pedestal, of a man sitting on a rock. The man is resting his chin on his hand as if to be in deep thought. As we look at this sculpture, we think too.
Many scholars have used this image to symbolize philosophy — the study of deep questions about life, our existence, values, and reason.
As we pray and meditate, we consider these ideas as well. As we take time to smell the roses, let us also take time to be thankful and to think.
