The Fragrance

John 12:3
Then Mary took about a pint of pure nard, an expensive perfume; she poured it on Jesus’ feet and wiped his feet with her hair. And the house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume.

The essence of lavender hung in the air. 

I’ve grown lavender in my flower garden for years. One of the plants I have has moved with me three times. Usually lavender doesn’t transplant well, but this particular plant has endured. Many types of lavender don’t like rich loamy soil but want an alkaline base, instead. When I discovered how well the plant thrived in the dirt at our condo, I added two more plants, a French lavender and another English lavender. Both produce lovely purple blooms and a fragrance I love.

As long as I water the plant (they don’t need an abundance) put it in a sunny spot, and prune it when it’s time, I enjoy the fragrant smell of it all summer. I can keep the smell around longer if I gather the stems and blooms and tie them in bundles to dry for winter. Some people press the blooms and draw out the oil to use in soaps and other products.

The oil Mary used to anoint Jesus’ feet may have come from the Nardostachys jatamansi, a flowering plant in the honeysuckle family. It produces an expensive thick golden oil used sparingly. Mary understood how precious her friendship with Jesus was, and that His purpose on earth would change the world. She chose to honor His life as many would honor His death.

I’ve read that the sense of smell is the sense that brings back the most memories. The smell of lavender will always remind me of the peace and calm I feel when I’m working in my plants. For Mary, I’m sure every time she smelled the fragrance of nard, she remembered Jesus and His sacrifice.

I’ve been to the church camp a few times in the last few weeks and the smell of the woods and the dorms never changes. I’m reminded of some of my best days as a kid, when I learned how much Jesus loved me.

I hope something reminds you of Jesus every single day. Whether the smell of a flower, a picture, a kindness shown to you or that you show to others.

Jesus loves you, every day.

Stinky or Pleasant, What's Your Scent?

John 12:3
Then Mary took about a pint of pure nard, an expensive perfume; she poured it on Jesus’ feet and wiped his feet with her hair. And the house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume.

Sometimes the world stinks, literally. Like when we drive past Mount Rumpke, the local

trash dump, along the highway. The odor is too much. I pull the neck of my shirt over my nose just to drive by. And how about the smelly perfume or aftershave that's been poured on the man or woman you sit next to at a restaurant. A little goes a long way.

For years I grew herbs in my flower beds. Not so much to cook with, but to inhale the lovely smells. Herbs have an earthy, natural scent that not only refreshes me, but reminds me of the goodness of Jesus. Chives and garlic, with the purple tufts on top of their long slender green stems, give of an odor of strength and protection. People use garlic to ward of colds and illness. The refreshing fragrance from those pretty seed heads on dill remind me of bursts of joy. Then there are the spicy herbs like oregano that give a boost, encouragement, and enthusiasm. My favorite of all the herbs, lavender, produces a scent that fills me with a peace beyond my comprehension, much like the peace Jesus pours over me when I believe no peace can be found.

As Jesus followers, we leave a distinct odor in our path. Whether a smelly garbage dump or a lovely scent of peace and encouragement. When Mary, Martha's sister, went to Jesus she had a desire to fill the room with the most beautiful scent she had available to her. She took the most expensive perfume, usually saved for burial, and poured it over Jesus feet. The love she poured out with the oil created a lasting scent of dedication to her Savior.

What fragrance or odor do you leave behind? A stink or a pleasant reminder of faith in Jesus?

Ephesians 5:1-2 Follow God’s example, therefore, as dearly loved children and walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.

Lavender's Sweet Fragrance