Transient Beauty

I was looking at other people's blogs, and admiring their garden pictures, especially their roses. I love roses, but wouldn't choose to grow them, simply because I don't have the knowledge or time to take care of them and get the best out of them; mine always seem to end up covered in some sort of dreadful aphid or black spot disease. Despite all this, though, the few rose bushes I inherited with the garden (and my principle is, if it's a nice plant, then keep it till it dies of its own accord, or too much vigorous pruning on my behalf) have produced some lovely flowers, and I thought I should rush out and take some photos before they all get ruined by the rain and wind that is a constant feature of our summer weather this year!




One very large rose bush which is well established, and surviving nicely by my kitchen window had roses in various stages of loveliness, and it got me to thinking about our perceptions of beauty.


We start out like this rose bud,











Then life causes a bit of wear and tear, but we still look blousy and attractive,














Even when we get storm - damaged we can retain touches of glory,














But, eventually, we must wither and die.


















However, the wonder of it is, that God sees us like this all the time ...






















And if we let Him, He will transform us into this,






















So that we can join all the Saints in glory, to Praise Him eternally.