Thanks be to God, who always leads us in triumphal procession in Christ and through us spreads everywhere the fragrance of the knowledge of him.  2 Corinthians 2:14

My mom's favorite flower was the gardenia. When I was young, I remember her wearing one in her hair on festive occasions. She is no longer here, but for years my dad had a beautiful gardenia bush in his yard, in her memory.

Gardenias are the most potent smelling flowers I know. The pungent fragrance of just one flower can fill an entire room. The blooms don't last very long. The smooth, ivory petals turn yellow, then brown. Too quickly they look dried up and ugly.

Funny thing about gardenias: long after the appearance of the flower starts to go downhill, the powerfully sweet odor is every bit as strong as it ever was.

Interesting thing about saints: long after the outward appearance begins to degenerate,
due to aging, accidents, or disease, a glorious aroma still radiates to the world. The spirit in our hearts never dies or disintegrates.

And you can bet that when one leaves this world, there remains a sweet smelling fragrance. Long after.

That is good news.

©  Sally I. Kennedy
Used with permission

Please honor author's copyrights by seeking permission first before using this piece in any way.
To reach author, and read more of her writings, click on her name above.

Midi playing ~ "Serenity"
Source ~ Jalal Ali

Frame from Marianne's PSP site
 

© 2007 Adelle North, All Rights Reserved

to contact Adelle