Signature Fragrance—What’s Yours?
January 27, 2021 by Robin Steinweg
Filed under Daily Devotions, Personal Growth
By Robin J. Steinweg –
One of my students told me that when she catches a whiff of vanilla, she always thinks of me. Vanilla—I can’t get enough of it. I love it in hand wash, lotions and candles. I love it in cookies, ice cream and pancakes. If I could, I’d wash my hair and my clothes in it.
Ever since my student’s observation, I’ve paid more attention to others’ fragrances. Some are hard to identify, since they switch from one brand to another. Some folks wear the same perfume their whole lives. Others carry the scent of their occupation. I had a high school friend who worked on a pig farm. No matter what strong cleanser he scrubbed with, the smell of pigs would not wash off. So he covered it up with cologne. To this day I can’t smell Old Spice without thinking of how it never quite disguised the odor of pig manure. A friend’s father, a mortician, unwittingly carried a scent of embalming fluid everywhere he went.
Our sense of smell can lead us (mm, the brat stand is this way), protect us (uh-oh, I smell gas!) identify us (that’s not my mommy’s smell) and invoke memories (does that take me back…).
If it’s such an important factor in our lives, I need to ask: What fragrance do I carry spiritually? Do I overwhelm others with religious talk, or do I leave a hint of heaven that draws them in? Do I occupy myself with moral filth that I can’t wash off? When someone crushes my spirit with harsh words, do I respond in like, or do I give off the aroma of forgiveness? What scent is my trademark?
PRAYER: Dear Jesus, when You were bruised for my sins, You gave off the most appealing aroma. Let my life be a sweet-smelling offering of worship. Let me leave the trace of Your essence wherever I go. Your signature fragrance is forgiveness. I bless and thank You!
“Now thanks be to God who always leads us in triumph in Christ, and through us diffuses the fragrance of His knowledge in every place. For we are to God the fragrance of Christ among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing” (2 Corinthians 2:14-15 NKJV).
Today’s devotional is by Robin J. Steinweg. Robin’s life might be described using the game Twister: the colored dots are all occupied, limbs intertwine (hopefully not to the point of tangling), and you never know which dot the arrow will point to next, but it sure is fun getting there!
Nice Robin. Thank God! He is so forgiving, when I fail.
Thanks, Elaine. So true!
Outstanding article Robin and, you always smell like Jesus to me.
It’s mutual, Julie, thanks!
You have written a lovely piece of writing to ponder on. How wonderful to encourage us to leave the presence, or fragrance of the Lord wherever we go. I have always felt that you have always done this in all the years I have known you. We see Christ in you, in your quiet, gentle ways and in your lovely music. Keep shinging the light1 Sally
How sweet of you to say that! The fragrance of Jesus has followed you (and Roger, too, when he was with us) and drawn many to Him.
Thanks, Robin. Always good to stop and self-examine. Your article makes me think about the fragrance of the sacrifice of the saints.
And I love lily of the valley and lilacs. MMMM.
Thanks for this, Lisa! (and it’s been a great year for lilies and lilacs, too!) 🙂
It’s an inspiring perspective Robin. What is the fragrance of my life?
Thank you for sharing.
Everything’s comin’ up roses, Lori! 🙂 Thanks for commenting.
What a great perspective. And what a fun way to read about it!
Love your writing and your desire to honor the Lord you love!
Your comment is a fragrant breeze today, Anita, thanks!
I want my life to permeate the sweetness of Christ.
As it does, Sue! Thanks for commenting.
Love!
Marie, that about says it all–it is the fragrance of love. Thanks for reading!
Fragrance! What a wonderful addition to our lives.
Yep–as long as it doesn’t give me an asthma attack! 🙂