The Visitor and the Roses

A retelling for children, based on Portals to Freedom by Howard Colby Ives (George Ronald, 1937).

One afternoon, an old minister came to meet 'Abdu'l-Bahá. He was a careful, serious man, and he had come prepared. He carried a long list of difficult questions, ready to test this visitor from far away and decide for himself whether there was anything to Him.

So he began to ask. Question after question after question. And to each one, 'Abdu'l-Bahá gave only a short, gentle answer, listening far more than He spoke. A man named Howard, watching from the side, started to feel impatient — the questions seemed so small, like someone trying to measure the whole ocean with a teaspoon.

Then the questions ran out, and there was a pause. And in that pause, 'Abdu'l-Bahá rose to His feet. For just a moment, He spoke — not about dates or rules, but about love, and about the beauty of a life spent serving others.

And the old minister changed before everyone's eyes. His careful, testing look melted away, and his whole face seemed to light up.

As the minister turned to leave, 'Abdu'l-Bahá noticed a big bunch of roses standing in the room. He gathered them all up and placed them in the old man's arms. And out the door the minister went — humbled, glowing, and carrying far more than he had come for.

The minister had come for answers, but what changed his heart was not an argument. It was kindness, and patience, and a gift freely given. Sometimes the most convincing thing in the world is simply love.

This is a retelling for children. For the fuller account, see "Roses for the Questioning Minister".

Ives, H. C.. (1937). *Portals to Freedom*. George Ronald. https://bahai-library.com/ives_portals_freedom