The Gardenia Bush!!

With the ultimate in fragrant flowers, a gardenia bush is one of South Florida's most beloved plants...though it can be a challenge to grow.  Yet, it grows exceptionally well in my yard.  The aroma is captivating and pulls you closer to the bush. 

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

Aroma ~ what does that bring into your mind?  Sweet, sour, home, perfume, too much, intoxicatingly pleasing, .... 

This bush is strong and sturdy. It requires sun and water for growth ... don't we all? And it has its pest too ... don't we all? And still it's a beauty to be admired! YOU are beautiful ... whisper that to yourself! 

What captured my attention is that the bush does NOT bloom all at once. It has the blooms, but they are orchestrated to bloom sparingly. Then once it blooms, there's the white beauty of the flower & that aroma!! It stays for about 8 days, then slowly loses it's 'spark' ... and then another blossom pops open ... diverting your attention to it. 

To that I am reminded of:

2 Corinthians 3:18 "And we who with unveiled faces all reflect the Lord's glory, are being transformed into his likeness with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit." 

Glory, aroma, His beloveds ... that's what we are and in the example of the Gardenia Bush we are His beauties too.