Wow is my nose sensitive! I feel sorry for my husband because he has to be so careful about his aftershave and cologne.  There were many times that I told Trey to go back upstairs and change shirts because he smelled like he took a bath in Polo.  That trait he passed along to Collin and I make him scrub himself with a wet paper towel before I can get in the car with him.

I recall so many choir performances when many directors would ask the choir, “Please refrain from wearing perfumes and colognes for tomorrow’s performance.”  It never failed.  Someone would wear something that would close your throat.

I have been at Burch, Porter & Johnson for almost 16 years.  I can tell you who and when the person was on the elevator by perfume they were wearing.  And actually, there are some people I miss because their fragrance no longer fills the air.

Unfortunately, I cannot wear fragrances, scented lotions, except for Burberry.  And I only wear it on special occasions.  All fragrances, whether they are floral, sweet, woodsy, no matter what, send my senses into migraine overdrive.

When I walked off the elevator this week at work, my mind began to spin.  What is my aroma? Would God find my aroma sweet and pleasing?  There are many passages in the Old Testament that reference burnt offerings being a sweet aroma to the Lord. “Command the sons of Israel and say to them, ‘You shall be careful to present My offering, My food for My offerings by fire, of a soothing aroma to Me, at their appointed time.’” Numbers 28:2

How blessed are we that our offering has been made on the cross on our behalf. We must be the sweet aroma to the Lord.

For the next five months of grieving, I cannot guarantee at any given moment I will embody a sweet aroma to and/or for the Lord. I know that the Lord is with me in the valley and know that I plan to do as many things as I can to bring Him joy during this time.  For one, I will surround my computer and desk area with uplifting scripture.  I know that His word will NEVER come back void and if there is anything sweet smelling to the Lord, it is the voice of His children reading His word daily.

I am diving into a Beth Moore bible study “Children of the Day”.  The first line in the description of this study – Is your family life a challenge?  Well, I would say so.  I believe 1 and 2 Thessalonians is going to bless me as I walk with Paul.  Paul has taught me how to live through the trials of this day and I know this will be an exciting study that will provide wisdom.

So, what is your aroma? Does your character exude joy for the Lord? Do you close throats of others by your strong aroma? Non-christians want to know what this “joy in the Lord” is all about and they can smell it.  Or maybe you smell of kindness and love.  That is an aroma that has been swirling above my head for about a month from several people.

What do you do when something smells good? Maybe it is a fresh pie out of the oven or chocolate chip cookies! A smile comes over your face and you immediately inhale.  I hope your throat doesn’t shut!  The next time you meet someone with a pleasing aroma for the Lord, make it your intention to tell them.  They will be blessed and so will the Lord.

And P.S.  Be sensitive to those of us who can’t wear perfume! And buddy, I miss your Polo smell, the smell of your skin, but most of all, I miss the smell of your sweet, sweet spirit and laughter.

There’s a sweet, sweet Spirit in this place,

And I know that it’s the Spirit of the Lord;

There are sweet expressions on each face,

And I know they feel the presence of the Lord.

Sweet Holy Spirit, Sweet heavenly Dove,

Stay right here with us, filling us with Your love.

And for these blessings we lift our hearts in praise;

Without a doubt we’ll know that we have been revived,

When we shall leave this place.

There are blessings you cannot receive

Till you know Him in His fullness and believe;

You’re the one to profit when you say,

“I am going to walk with Jesus all the way.”