“For we are to God the pleasing aroma of Christ among those who are being saved and those who are perishing.” 2 Corinthians 2:15

Gardenias

When I was ten, my family moved into a house that had a huge gardenia bush. The bush was located right near the front door, just under a kitchen window. People who came over would comment on the size of the bush. Apparently, gardenia bushes do not usually grow that large. I had never smelled a gardenia before moving into that house, but once you have been near a gardenia, you cannot help but notice its scent. Not only is it a lovely scent, it is also strong. On the hottest summer days, the pleasant aroma would waft up through the window. 

I lived in that house for nine years. They were not my happiest years. Though nothing traumatic or significantly bad happened in that house, it simply was a sad house. My parents were struggling with their finances and emotions, and I was just trying to grow up.  

I would venture to say that the ages of ten through nineteen are a trying time in anyone’s life; it’s a season of rapid maturity and emotional upheaval. I don’t know anyone who would want to have to relive those years. And yet when I look back to that time, what sticks out clearly in my mind’s eye is the gardenia bush. Sometimes I would stop to lean close and take a whiff; sometimes I would spend time taking off the dead heads to make room for new blooms. But most days, I took the gardenia’s existence for granted as I walked right past, puzzling over whatever was troubling my heart that day.  

I believe that God placed that gardenia bush right in the middle of my cloudy adolescence on purpose. I believe He was whispering love to me every single time I walked past that bush or could smell it through the window. “I’m here again today; I never left. Enjoy these flowers I created. But even if you don’t notice them today, I’m here, I’m always here, and I love you.” He was whispering this to me, and I only now am aware of it. But He kept whispering, knowing that I was not perceiving it, knowing that eventually I would. But I like to think that even if I never grew to recognize it, He would have daily been whispering His love.

So it seems personal to me when I read that God’s children are a pleasing aroma.  God is using you to walk out His love and goodness to those around you, whether they appreciate it or not. God sees the ways that Jesus wafts out of your life. You may be the only bright spot in a rough situation. Keep smelling that place up with the love of Jesus.

“Dear Lord Jesus, thank You for daily whispering love and causing our lives to be Your very fragrance. Amen.”