SURE SMELLS GOOD

And walk in love, as Christ also

loved us and given Himself for us,

an offering and a sacrifice o God

for a sweet-smelling aroma

Ephesians 5:2

Laying in bed last night recalling from years and more years back the pleasant smells I used to enjoy. Life was much simpler back then and the simple things had meaning. Fall was always special. Who can forget the smell after a spring rain. On Mondays, I had to go out and take down the newly washed sheets that had been pinned to the clothes lines earlier in the day. The smell inside a new car will always be special. Can't forget that smell for anything.

Even today, while those memorable scents us recall of wonderful times, are often ones that aren't so memorable. I never got any kind of boost in smelling a dirty diaper fresh off one of my babies. Burning the bacon on occasions is not only offensive but seems to last in one's house for a very long time. Being behind a car that is gushing exhaust fumes is offensive and often dangerous. Of course, there is the notorious skunk and little needs to be said about avoiding that cute animal.

Smells all have their individual scents that are either a blessing or curse. Rarely is there one in between. There is one scent that cannot be duplicated or damaged in any way and that is the sweet aroma of Christ. One can be around another person who seems soaked with perfume and folks who hug her come away smelling like her. The same can be for us when we stay close to Jesus. There is a sweet aroma all about Him. Won't it be wonderful if we can bear that sweet aroma of Him because of Who He is and our closeness to Him.

Father, thank You for the sacrifice of Your Son through whom we have life, love and a wonderful relationship. Keep us close through Your sweet Holy Spirit that because of our relationship with You, folks may see You in us. In Jesus precious name...Amen