“But thanks be to God, who always leads us in triumphal procession in Christ and through us spreads everywhere the knowledge of Him.” 2 Corinthians 2:14 (NIV)

Been working through some thoughts on fragrance vs. aroma and stuff like that – well this is one verse goes along with those thoughts…and here are some more….

Fragrance:   1)  surrounds an individual (i.e. person, flower, item, etc.).   2)   Only those near enough to the individual can smell it.

Well, when working through my understanding of fragrance vs. aroma,  my daughter happened to purchase a new fragrance the other day.  We were going somewhere she asked, “Can you smell my perfume?”  I replied, “Yes, it smells really nice.”   But what I didn’t share, is that only moments before she asked; I  had said to myself as she walked by, “I really like that new perfume on her.”  She asked the question because the scent had already been absorbed into her and became apart of her, that she could no longer smell it on herself.  But others could; including me.

As I thought back on that scene as I returned to my search for understanding; it hit me. 

When we are Christ-followers.  We are covered in the “perfume” / fragrance of Him.  When we walk into a room or walk-by others the fragrance of Christ should cling to us SO that others will smell it and be pleased by the scent.  But even more, the fragrance of Christ should be such apart of us that it causes us to question – Can you smell my perfume?  But the fragrance of Christ still emits from us and lingers even after we pass by.

Truth is…I know that at times I smell more like “wet dog”, than the fragrance of Christ.  But I am so thankful that I can spray myself with Him.  I can be covered by His sweet fragance of grace, mercy, love, compassion, empathy, and so much more. That I can leave a lingering pleasing scent because of Him as I pass by those who come close enough to me on my daily walk.

Spin to the left – stop – spin to the right – stop…. That was our little dog the other day.  He was frantically chasing his tail.   We don’t know what drove him to so aggressively go after his tail; or why he so bothered by it.  But once the offending issue was no longer offensive, he stopped and went about his business.

I then too went about my business but my mind was still focused on the scene.  I laughed.  I do not have a tail.  But there are many things that transpire in the course of my day that make me just as crazy as my little dogs tail did him.  The funny thing is the stuff that we are connected to seems to make us the craziest – family, friends, ourselves and even our dogs.  It can something small but whatever it is it can drive you crazy.

I laugh because I know I am “a tail” to someone – to a few someones… what is even more sad is that I can be that tail to my Jesus.  I know I do things that makes him crazy… just like my little dog -whom I love anyway… My Jesus loves me anyway!  He loves me like CRAZY!