What’s your favorite smell and what does it make you think of? I have several. A wood burning fire sparks memories of our family camping trips when I was young. Fresh cut grass reminds me of fun days running and playing in the summertime. And then there’s Bubba’s house––the distinct smell I remember of my grandmother’s home. To this day I don’t know how to describe it, other than It was unmistakable when you first walked in. It’s the smell of peace, safety, and holidays. Nothing in the world smells like Bubba’s house used to smell.
If only we could bottle the aromas we love.
Our sense of smell is primal and powerful. It engages our brain and emotions. We were created not only to delight in sweet aromas, but to experience emotional ties with them. Roses, peach cobbler with brown sugar topping, my husband’s cologne. In an instant, these aromas transport me to cherished memories of another time and place, and bring a smile to my face.
Friends are like beautiful aromas that encourage and warm our heart.
We smile when we think of our dearest friends and the times we’ve shared together. They’ve known us at our worst and still love us for who we are, as is. True friends tell us the truth about everything. They don’t care what we’re wearing or if we’re having a bad hair day. And they’re always ready to come to our aid. Even if we’ve been apart for months or even years, friends like sisters are the girls who never miss a beat. We pick up right back where we left off. It feels good to know there’s someone in our corner, no matter what.
Sweet friendship refreshes our soul.
The love and laughter of a dear friend lifts our spirit. It’s like walking into Bubba’s house and feeling the peace of belonging. This past week I had the pleasure of celebrating my dear friend’s birthday with a sushi dinner. We hadn’t seen each other in several months and we had a lot of catching up to do. But the love and bonds of sisterhood hadn’t changed. We laughed and shed a few tears. Refreshing at its best.
As we neared the end of our evening, she said, “I really miss you. I didn’t realize how much I miss you until I saw you, but I felt it as soon as you got here.” Seeing her was like a breath of fresh air, a sweet aroma that takes me to a place I want to be.
Think of a dear friend you haven’t talked to in a while, and reach out to her today. You may be the breath of fresh air, the sweet aroma of sisterhood, that fills her with a sense of love and belonging. And if you don’t have anyone you consider to be a close sister-like friend, reach out to someone you’re getting to know and ask them to meet you for coffee or lunch. Growing new bonds of sisterhood involves knowing and being known.
Take heart and smile, friends. Just as God created us to delight in beautiful aromas, He also created us to delight and be refreshed in our innermost being by the love and care of sweet sisters. We’re all longing for that refreshment, so pour out to a friend today and see how you will be filled to overflowing in return.
“Just as lotions and fragrance give sensual delight, a sweet friendship refreshes the soul.” Proverbs 27:9 (MSG)
Let’s Talk: What’s your favorite smell and what does it make you think of?
May I pray?
Father God, thank You for the amazing senses You have created in us, including the sense of smell. And thank You for the way we can recall cherished memories by the aromas we’ve experienced. Today I pray that You will place a special friend in our thoughts. As we reach out to let them know we’re thinking of them, prompt us to tell them how much they mean to us. And if we’re reaching out to someone we don’t know well, give us the courage to invite them for coffee or lunch. May we be refreshed and encouraged through the sweet bonds of sisterhood. Amen.