If you've ever been in So. Cal. in January or February, you know Spring is sprung! My neighbor's sweet peas have been blooming for at least 3 weeks now and it's one of my favorite smells. On a Tuesday in February, as I was packing up the car for our CC time, I could smell those buds. Oh, it was wonderful. I came in and told Abel he had to go outside and experience it too! He didn't smell a thing. However, he told me later, he decided to try again right before we all left the house. Taking a deep breath, he was only greeted by the stink of skunk!! Poor man (unless you're my sweet mother in law who happens to like the smell of skunk!) I had a good chuckle on his account.
This last week, the kids and I (and my mother in law) were out walking around our cul de sac and again, the fragrance of the many blooms permeating the air. It truly reminded me of my family's vacation in Hawaii 25 years ago. Funny how smells trigger memories! Providentially, my SSMT verse for March 1st was 2 Corinthians 2:14 (ESV)
But thanks be to God, who in Christ always leads us in triumphal procession and through us spreads the fragrance of the knowledge of him everywhere.
I was absolutely struck with how my life and this verse were intersecting so immediately! My first observation was that the flowers hadn't moved. God did all the work. They were always in the same location over those many weeks but for a hundred feet, I could smell them. It was pleasant, made me happy, delighted my senses, encouraged me that Spring was here after a cold and rainy "winter." The fragrance is stronger when the wind blows and marine layer (similar to fog) rolls in. How funny when seemingly "unpleasant" weather surrounds us, the smell is more intense! And I noticed last week, the sweet peas had apparently dropped seed into our yard because there is now a large growth in our flower bed.
My heart overflows with the similarities! Wherever we are, whatever kind of season in which we are walking with the Lord, we can fulfill our calling to be this pleasant fragrance that spreads the knowledge of Him...to a hundred feed, or beyond! My dear friend, Lora Lynn, just brought home a baby girl from Africa. And the whole story is so beautiful and encouraging. His Fragrance is all over them in this process. Following their journey, one cannot help but be encouraged by how the Father is deeply personal and concerned about the affairs of His Children across the globe. Even through the difficulties and potential impossibilities, they've shared how they've kept looking to the Father for his leading and guiding!
The storms and seeming unpleasant effects of a fallen world around us will only enhance and extended the smell beyond the singular flower bed. I think of the amazing story of Joanne Heim and the beautiful work of the Body of Christ to love and pray for her and encourage her family. This news, posted in her blog, has now spanned the globe (she lives in Colorado and people prayed for her in Africa, Australia and Asia!) The journey has encouraged people to see the Lord and his Goodness. It's even reformed (dare I use that word?! {wink}) the way angry believers view The Church. Incredible. Only God. And so it is with us, if we will allow the trials and tribulations of life to work His will in us. We too can proclaim His goodness, His mercy, His unfailing Love to a lost and dying world...and even be a fresh breath of life to discouraged brothers and sisters in Christ.
And wouldn't you know, because of the seasonal cycle of those plants, the seed has been planted, sprouted up and producing it's own fragrance in my own yard! (Great Commission, anyone?!)
I must honestly and sadly share, this is not always the case. When Abel took a deep breath and smelled skunk, the beauty of the sweet peas was unrecognizable. If we harbor sin, bitterness, or a bad attitude, any resemblance of our true identity in Christ will be covered up. Oh, that we would quickly put off those things which mask Him. I have been in such a place. I knew my heart was filled with such ugly things. And the sorrow I have over such stench that hurt others and myself. Don't go there, dear friends. Take care of business with Christ so you can be about Christ's Business.
You are loved, dear friends. I pray you are encouraged today. Press in and Press on in the Name of Jesus!
2 comments:
I love Jasmine. I also love the smell of strawberries in Carlsbad near the ocean, and also in Ventura near the ocean when they are in season. That is a beautiful combination. Finally, I loved the smell of newborn skin, that smell of their skin they still have in the hospital. I loved holding my second and third child, remembering what it was to have held my first, to start a new life.
Sweet peas are my favorite flower, but I've never had any luck growing them myself. Your post is very encouraging.
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