Consider how the lilies of the field grow: They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his glory was adorned like one of these. -Matthew 6:28-29

This is one of my favorite flowers in Viet Nam. It has two names in Vietnamese: 1) hoa dạ yến thảo Mexico; and 2) hoa chiều tím.

Like most natural objects of beauty, this hearty plant and the flowers it produces always bring a smile to my face. Appearing in late summer and lasting for a couple of months, it’s literally everywhere, in the countryside and the city. I’m reminded of the above Bible verse whenever I see these and other flowers. In fact, it’s so prolific that it’s considered an invasive species in places where it is not native, e.g., the US state of Florida. (The Mexican petunia is native to Mexico, the Caribbean, and South America.)

Live in the moment and enjoy!

Shalom (שלום), MAA