For A Season
They grow silently as the days warm toward Spring, and we are unaware. Then one day while driving through the neighborhood we spy them, beautiful lavender blooms against a green backdrop. It seems they have appeared overnight.
Days pass in a slow stroll, and the branches hang heavy with flowers. The winds blow through, and the air is filled with their fragrance. It smells like grape. Imagine grape flavor in perfume form. It is beautifully subtle. I walk by and it fills my heart with an inexplicable joy.
I long to slow time because I know their season is a very short one. Their beauty fades almost as quickly as it begins. All too soon they are gone.
The Psalmist likens our lives to the brief lives of these beautiful flowers:
“As for man, his days are like grass; as a flower of the field, so he flourishes. For the wind passes over it and it is gone, and its place remembers it no more.” Psalm 103: 15,16
Time passes so quickly. It seems we turn around and our children our grown. Another turn, and they have children of their own. It is true. Life is brief.
It is not a reason to mourn, however. Like the beautiful Mountain Laurel flowers our lives have the potential for great beauty. As we live our lives filled with His Spirit, we bless others with the sweet fragrance of Christ. He has given us everything we need. Just as He provides the sunshine and rain, He gives us every good and perfect gift in Jesus.
The fragrance of such a life not only blesses those around them, it rises to heaven and touches the heart of Him who loves us with an unending love:
“In the Messiah, in Christ, God leads us from place to place in one perpetual victory parade. Through us, He brings knowledge of Christ. Everywhere we go, people breathe in the exquisite fragrance. Because of Christ, we give off a sweet scent rising to God, which is recognized by those on the way of salvation – an aroma redolent with life…” II Cor. 2: 14 -16
The best news, for those whose hearts are hidden in His, is that this brief life is only the beginning. It is merely a stepping stone into eternal life in heaven. We have only to invite Him in.
Blessings,
Linda
Such a lovely post.
May I be a sweet aroma to the people I meet in my life. May I always point to the Hope that is in Christ Jesus.
Very good words for a Monday morning. Brief doesn’t mean “not beautiful.” Or “not fruitful.” Not with Christ who makes all things beautiful in His time!
Smiles,
Rhonda
I’ve been trying not to dwell on the short time I have left on this earth. Praying I leave His aroma behind.
And you. You are a sweet fragrance, my friend. I know this. I’ve smelled it real. 🙂
So beautifully said Linda! Just a stepping stone, just a stepping stone. Love the reminder!
Such a beautiful post Linda! It is my prayer that I can be seen as a sweet aroma, to those around me and to my Lord. ((blessings))