FRAGRANCES
Did you ever stop
and read all the labels on laundry supplies? I must
admit I never have. However, today while waiting for
the washer to fill with water for the final rinse
cycle, I began reading the label on the softener
bottle. Part of what it said was about memories that
certain fragrances bring to our minds. This
particular fragrance, supposedly, brought memories
of playing among the clothes that were hung out to
dry in the sunshine and fresh air.
After reading
that, I began to think of times when odors or scents
have triggered memories. I walked from the house one
morning and caught a whiff of the freshly mowed
grass in my neighbor’s yard. Almost immediately I
thought of the days when I mowed the grass in our
yard. I mowed because I liked to do so and I miss it
now. Being on that riding mower would take me away
from the daily pressures. I could sing because the
noise from the motor would drown out my poor excuse
for carrying a tune. Gospel hymns that we sang in
church were my music of choice because I knew the
words to many of those old hymns. “The Old Rugged
Cross” - “In the Garden” - “Redeemed” – “Amazing
Grace” and others.
Or if the day at
the office had been more stressful than normal, I
would pretend a patch of grass was my adversary of
the day. As I zoomed over the unsuspecting grass, I
would think “This is for YOU” while thinking of the
person who had caused me the most grief at work. And
then I would feel remorse for being so ugly to that
person, even if only in my mind.
The familiar scent
of greasy hamburgers, onion rings and fries can
bring to mind how my husband would smell when he
returned home following an hours long visit to the
local coffee shop. During the winter months when he
was not able to do a lot of outside work, he would
while away the afternoon, drinking coffee and
visiting with our dear friend who owned the coffee
shop. Naturally the odors attached themselves to his
clothing. I would know exactly where he had “worked”
that afternoon.
A certain body
powder that was used by my mother evoked good
childhood memories. I have not smelled that aroma in
many years. I doubt that it is still in production,
but when it was and I happened to smell it, it
brought a smile to my lips. I could feel Mother’s
arms around me, holding me close. She would be
telling me things she knew I would need to know when
I grew up…..Christian values so dear to her. Or she
would tell of a fishing trip, something she loved.
Have you ever
considered how our “scent”, “fragrance” or “odor”
smells to God? Do we evoke a sweet memory? Do we
cause Him to recall the good we have done in His
name and be pleased with us? Or is our odor a stench
to His nostrils? Let us strive to be “as fragrant as
the wines of Lebanon” Hosea 14:7 NLT This verse
refers to the blessings that are promised to those
who repent.
