Fragrance has great power. It can spark long forgotten memories, transport us through time and space, and evoke deep emotions. I am reminded this morning of that power as I celebrate the birthday of our first grandson, H.A.C.H. Rewind 23 years!
There’s nothing quite like the joy and anticipation of the birth of a baby, any baby. But those emotions were ramped up when I was waiting on Hach. I was awash with both excitement and sadness. Some can relate to my story of living far away, (what seemed like a world away, but in reality, was only a 12-hour drive) from family. If you don’t know that heartache, I hope you never do. I wanted to be “there” when the baby arrived, but time, distance, the unpredictable nature of the arrival, and my job, made the likelihood slim. If she called when she went into labor, whether I secured a flight or jumped in the car, I was still 12 hours away. I wouldn’t wish a 12-hour labor on anyone! But alas, it was a long labor, and I was able to arrive before Hach!
I was privileged to spend several glorious days with our newborn, PERFECT, grandson. Emotions were running high with sights, sounds, and smells being etched in my memory to be enjoyed for a lifetime. Only a few times in my life have sparked that level of _?_…even now words fail me to describe the wonder of it all! I may should have expected the low to be just as extreme when the time came to return home.
As I recall, I had to be picked up off the floor of the hospital bathroom when it was time to leave. I had wept away every ounce of strength I had left. Very few times in my life have I experienced that kind of heart break. Of course, I’ve cried plenty over the years, but this was a different sort of heart wrenching.
However, I did find comfort and I took it! If confession is good for the soul, here goes. You know those hospital issued baby blankets used to burrito up babies with the pink and blue strips? There are millions of them on the hospital obstetrics floor! But there was one in particular that smelled like Hach … I took it, put it in a zip lock bag, and brought it home.
On days when the longing to “be with” was overwhelming, the comfort of removing the blanket from the zip lock bag and inhaling the fragrance of our newborn healed my heart. In all fairness, I did leave behind a T-shirt I had worn because I wanted Hach to know my fragrance too. While the boys were little on holidays and visits, I would leave behind something of mine in exchange for something the grands had worn. Fragrance is powerful!
Fast-forward. I have been found in the closet smelling David’s shirts when he was away on a trip. I still have some of my mom’s scarves that maintain her fragrance and it’s been years since she passed. Leon’s wallet still has a faint waft of his cologne. Old Spice, White Linen, puppy breath, and Pink Downey – all these evoke precious memories for me.
For Baby Showers I give “Lovie” sized crocheted baby blankets. These small sized blankets are the perfect size for moms to sleep with. When she needs to be out of the room, just put “lovie” with the newborn and the fragrance of Mom comforts Baby. Again, fragrance is powerful.
LONG-rewind. God understands the power of fragrance! There is a specific recipe in scripture for the oil and incense used in worship (Ex 30:22-25). The fragrance was forbidden from personal use because God knew we would associate fragrance with being “with”. His very presence was experienced in worship when the oil was applied, and incense filled the room. There is a sweet aroma that fills the atmosphere still today when the sacrifice of worship is given to God. Fragrance is not only powerful, but also it is unforgettable. It lingers, it comforts, it attracts and repels. God diffuses the fragrance of Christ to this world through us (2 Cor 2:14-17). As we present our lives to God as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable (Rom 12:1), smoke will rise! The fragrance will be a sweet aroma, powerful, unforgettable and attract the very Presence of God!
No matter where we are and whatever we are doing, those around us can smell us. YIKES – what a thought!
Do I smell like Jesus? Who is sufficient for these things?
My Paisley Chair 
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