Too often I have bent over to sniff a lovely rose only to discover there is no scent whatsoever. None. It is a letdown to miss the beautiful fragrance which is expected to accompany the perfectly formed flower. And it makes me wonder, Abba, how often do You bend to inhale the sweet aroma of the Rose of Sharon in Your children, only to find no fragrance whatsoever? How often do we focus solely on the appearance of “our rose” and neglect to invite You to truly develop the aroma of Your Son in our lives? Do we attend to the “looks” of our flower–service, behavior, rituals, activities…and yet not allow the true aroma of Your Son to permeate our lives and hearts?  Let us welcome Your discipline so that we may authentically exude the powerful  fragrance of Jesus to those around us.