Philippians 4:18: “…They are a fragrant offering, an acceptable sacrifice, pleasing to God.”
What is enjoyable for one person to smell may be a turnoff for someone else. I personally enjoy the smell of brewing coffee, salt mixed with sand at the beach, anything over 100 calories with chocolate in it baking in the oven, or soup simmering on a cold, winter day. Some people enjoy a certain scent of perfume while others are incredibly allergic and one whiff can cause a fit of sneezing or itchy, watery eyes.
God made all of us very unique in what smells we like and dislike. However, one thing we all have in common and that is the power of smell. Like the sense of hearing, certain smells trigger certain feelings. Did you know that a newborn baby recognizes his mother by her scent and the sound of her voice from birth? Nobody can calm a newborn baby the way his own mother can. She is that familiar to him, having housed his growing body for nine months.
Today, instead of just noticing new smells, why not try and remember old familiar, well-loved smells, taking time to think back to the memories that they create?
For me, certain flavors of coffee take me back to a particular period of my life. The smell of lavender mixed with lemon reminds me this past summer with my family. Freshly laundered clothes instantly make me relaxed and calm.
Enjoy the scents of the past and maybe you will discover new memories with new scents in the process.