Scents

I have a heightened sense of, well, of all of my senses during pregnancy. I have especially sensitive hearing even when I am not pregnant, but when I am pregnant, certain smells are overpowering. There have been times during this pregnancy when certain smells that I usually enjoy seem so strong that they are no longer pleasant.

As I was thinking of this, I thought about how scents can so easily evoke strong memories, often better than anything else. For example, any time I smell Juicy Fruit gum, various memories of my granny come to mind. And when I smell Eternity for Men, happy memories of my dad come to mind.

I was reminded that as Christians we are to be the fragrance of God to the world. My scent should be one that leads others to the saving aroma of Christ. I wonder if the world can smell the sweetness or the stench (depending on their view) and if it is strong enough for them to notice or if it is too strong for them to stand being around me? I think there is probably a delicate balance. However, when I am following and listening to His voice, my fragrance will be the perfect blend of Him. I hope my fragrance evokes sweet memories of Him.

But thanks be to God, who always leads us in triumphal procession in Christ and through us spreads everywhere the fragrance of the knowledge of him. For we are to God the aroma of Christ among those who are being saved and those who are perishing. To the one we are the smell of death; to the other, the fragrance of life.
2 Corinthians 2:14-16

What are some of your favorite scents and what memories do they evoke for you?