There is something special about a bouquet of flowers. Bursting with colour, a gathering of God's most beautiful decorations, each leaf and petal is delicately formed - an arrangement of tear-drops displayed in countless patterns to delight the eyes and bring joy to the soul.
But so often, it is the meaning behind the bunch that causes us to treasure it in our hearts. A traditional symbol of new beginnings on a bride's wedding day, the flowers in her bouquet will bring a flood of memories and a smile to her face for all the years ahead. Even now, the delicate blue-green leaves of the Australian gums remind me of clutching my own bouquet close to my chest as I contemplated the start of our journey as husband and wife.
And then there is the meaning behind the bunches given to us by those we love. I remember my dear friend, in the full glow of a new pregnancy, showing me the beautiful bunch her husband had bought home for her. This bunch that represented the hope they had heading into this new journey of parenthood together. This bunch that represented the joy in the precious gift they had been entrusted with. This bunch that represented another new beginning.