Wednesday, July 25, 2007

Fragrance


"For we are to God the fragrance of Christ among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing." 2 Corinthians 2:15

Did you know that there are well over 6500 different varieties of roses? This was new to me this morning when I googled it. Each one different. Some have beautiful names like English Elegance, Autumn Sunset and Blushing Beauty. Others are named after women like Fair Bianca, Lady Penelope and Rosanna. And still others after men like William Shakespeare, Danny Boy and Sir Cedric Morris. There are even some fun names like Gladiator, Chariots of Fire and Leaping Salmon. (I found these names at EveryRose.com)

So many different varieties. In fact, on each different rose bush, every bud & blossom is different. The smells are all different. We have a beautiful yellow rose bush at the front of our house. When it blossomed in the spring, the smell was overwhelmingly beautiful. So fragrant with a hint of lemon smell. I loved walking past it. Our large-blossom red rose bush in the backyard (photos) is also very beautiful but almost zero scent comes from these giant blossoms. So much for making my own potpouri!! :)

My favourite colors of rose have to beach peach & yellow. I love a beautiful red rose but they are a bit 'common' so when I see peach-ish colors or shades of yellow, I find them the most beautiful.

Not just about a lesson in roses, all this is to remind us that though there are many many varieties of things like roses, people are even more unique & diverse. Each one of us is different. Each one of us looks different, has different needs, different likes & dislikes, different backgrounds & different views & opinions. We are all different, we are all unique, we are all special. Special to God. And He uses each one of us differently, gives us unique gifts & talents & purposes.

And when we talk about God to others, it is like a sweet-smelling fragrance to the Lord. We will all have different ways & methods of talking to others about God, some in encouragement & uplifting, some we share praise together, others we are telling the tale of salvation. Like a rose, I imagine each of us are a different & special fragrance to God. Unique & beautiful when we are speaking of Him.


4 comments:

  1. What a lovely post Becky

    I had no idea of that many varieties of roses....Wow.......

    Be Blessed

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  2. What a awe inspiring blog .Amrita's and your blogs are always thus. You even caught the dew drop on the beautiful red rose...your photography is of award winning qualities..Icant but say WoW

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  3. Anonymous9:33 PM

    had a walk around Bylands Garden Center hundreds of varieties of roses and I still couldn't find the wild yellow one that I hava always loved.

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  4. Hi Becky..my name is Laurie and I am a regular at Susan's "Living The Adventurous Life". I have stopped on over here a few times and was very blessed by your Proverbs series.
    I love roses!! Fanatically. :)
    Around a year and a half ago I was stepping out of my car and had to do a double take at my rose tree that perches in my front yard. It is a "White" Iceberg Rose tree and always gives such a grand show with lots and lots of blooms.
    Growing from the base of my tree was a single long stem "red" rose branch with about seven buds on it wrapping itself around my white rose tree. Imagine the context of this that went through my head! It made me think of the white robes of the saints being purified by the blood of Christ. (Oh yes...I tend to spiritualize many things that come my way in a day!! :))
    I started to cry! It was a gift from my God..a love gift wrapped in the most glorious packaging I could ever imagine at the precise time I needed it.
    I took a picture of my tree so that I can look upon this gift as often as I need to remember that our Lord is ever watching over us and giving us gifts of love. If I can, I'll post it on my sight tonight or tomorrow.
    Sorry I took up so much room..just wanted to say Hi and send a blessing your way!

    Blessings to you,
    Laurie

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