Yellow Rose

Rosa Xanthina Lindl or Yellow Rose is native to China and Korea, and was only brought to the West in 1907. This example I found growing in a church garden in central London. It is far from its natural ‘home’ yet it offers a pretty flower and prospers well enough.

Our home is heaven, New Jerusalem. The Christian does not really belong in this world, she is just a pilgrim passing through. Yet for what relatively little time we are here, may we prosper, blossom and flourish as best we can. May we be useful and serviceable, cheering to those who need it, supporting the weak, blessing the brethren and bringing glory to the God who deserves it. By autumn, the flowers will be gone, the stems cut back. It flowers while it may, and so might we. 

Take time to be holy, the world rushes on;
Spend much time in secret, with Jesus alone.
By looking to Jesus, like Him thou shalt be;
Thy friends in thy conduct His likeness shall see.

-William Longstaff, 1882