The Scent of a Life Well-Lived
As I stood there, frozen in time, the sweet aroma of a woman’s perfume wafted past me, transporting me to a bygone era. Memories of a dear lady who had taken me under her wing as a child came flooding back, and I couldn’t help but wonder: what kind of scent do I leave behind?
Not just the physical kind, but the metaphorical one too. What do others think when I walk past? Do I exude patience, kindness, and a sense of community, or do I reek of self-centeredness, impatience, and indifference? The truth is, I often fall short of the former.
A Fragrance that Lingers
But what if I could be a “sweet aroma” to those around me? What if my actions, my words, and my very presence could leave a lasting impression on my family, friends, neighbors, and colleagues? A scent that lingers long after I’m gone, like the perfume of that woman who walked past me.
The Aroma of Christ
The apostle Paul wrote, “We are a fragrance of Christ to God among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing; to the one an aroma from death to death, to the other an aroma from life to life” (2 Corinthians 2:15-16). What a profound statement! As followers of Christ, we have the power to spread the sweet aroma of His knowledge and love to all those we encounter.
A Challenge to Us All
So, I ask you: what kind of scent do you want to leave behind? Will it be one of kindness, compassion, and generosity, or one of selfishness, anger, and bitterness? The choice is ours. Let us strive to be a sweet aroma to those around us, a fragrance that lingers long after we’re gone.
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