October 12
While the King was at his table, my perfume spread its fragrance.
Song of Songs 1:12
We sat in the restaurant, one of my daughters and I, ready to relax and enjoy a long overdo lunch together. Her sensitive nose instantly picked up the smell of heavy perfume and I could see her breathing become affected almost immediately. Her asthma required vigilant management since she was a child. A change in location was necessary if she was to be without further distress. Soon, comfortably in another area of the restaurant, we continued our visit together, the scent, a far-away memory.
The fragrance of who we are spreads like the scent of perfume in the air. It can be subtle like the faint wisp of a spring flower, its delicate scent softly filling the air; sometimes it can be heady and uplifting like a tropical garden hanging close and blanketing the one walking through with a mixture of sweet bouquets that are remembered always; or now and again, pungent like overused, inexpensive cologne, overwhelming and annoying with its not easily forgotten, distracting aroma - like the one my daughter and I encountered. Rather than creating a pleasing environment, like certain fragrances, some attitudes and behaviors can interfere with our ability to enjoy what we are doing, and can actually get in the way of our well-being as well as the well-being of others..
Whatever the essence our spirit spreads forth, an impact is made on those around us. We do not have to present ourselves boldly to make an impact; in fact for some - quiet, wispy, uplifting ways seem to be more effective. Then again, there are occasions when it is necessary to make a strong statement with our actions to reinforce a point we hope to be remembered. More importantly though, the question is: how does our spirit impact others? How do we affect another’s life? How do we bring Jesus’ love to others? How does our “perfume” spread the fragrance of Christ?
Lord, you have given each of us a spirit, a unique fragrance to use - to spread to others. May its fragrance be pleasing to you.
Copyright© 2013 Kathleen A. Matson
While the King was at his table, my perfume spread its fragrance.
Song of Songs 1:12
We sat in the restaurant, one of my daughters and I, ready to relax and enjoy a long overdo lunch together. Her sensitive nose instantly picked up the smell of heavy perfume and I could see her breathing become affected almost immediately. Her asthma required vigilant management since she was a child. A change in location was necessary if she was to be without further distress. Soon, comfortably in another area of the restaurant, we continued our visit together, the scent, a far-away memory.
The fragrance of who we are spreads like the scent of perfume in the air. It can be subtle like the faint wisp of a spring flower, its delicate scent softly filling the air; sometimes it can be heady and uplifting like a tropical garden hanging close and blanketing the one walking through with a mixture of sweet bouquets that are remembered always; or now and again, pungent like overused, inexpensive cologne, overwhelming and annoying with its not easily forgotten, distracting aroma - like the one my daughter and I encountered. Rather than creating a pleasing environment, like certain fragrances, some attitudes and behaviors can interfere with our ability to enjoy what we are doing, and can actually get in the way of our well-being as well as the well-being of others..
Whatever the essence our spirit spreads forth, an impact is made on those around us. We do not have to present ourselves boldly to make an impact; in fact for some - quiet, wispy, uplifting ways seem to be more effective. Then again, there are occasions when it is necessary to make a strong statement with our actions to reinforce a point we hope to be remembered. More importantly though, the question is: how does our spirit impact others? How do we affect another’s life? How do we bring Jesus’ love to others? How does our “perfume” spread the fragrance of Christ?
Lord, you have given each of us a spirit, a unique fragrance to use - to spread to others. May its fragrance be pleasing to you.
Copyright© 2013 Kathleen A. Matson