Common Dog Violet

This is dog violet, probably common dog violet. It does not bear the most complimentary of names. Dog, here, is used to distinguish it from the ‘superior’ sweet violet, which offers a pleasant scent. How many times have we stuck our noses in a bunch of flowers only to be disappointed at the absence of scent? Well the dog violet makes no such offers or promises; anyone who approaches a flower with the word dog in its name is likely to have low expectations. Yet I appreciate this flower very much. I photographed it on 'heart attack hill', aka Long Lover Lane about 250 yards from the chapel. It is that part of the lane which is dark, steep and narrow. Yet there it grows, on those steep banks; a pretty, tiny little purple flower, with its rough name and scentless petals. As a walker, I appreciate it for what it does offer rather than for what it doesn’t. Many of our friends, family, fellow Christians and pastors often fail to live up to our ideal, our standard, our expectations. May we accept each other for what we have and what we are, rather than for what we are haven’t and what we aren't. Let us accept each other for Christ's sake. 

We then who are strong ought to bear with the scruples of the weak, and not to please ourselves. Let each of us please his neighbour for his good, leading to edification. Romans 15:1-2, NKJV