It’s easy to admire others for their talent and their wit. But, don’t forget it’s you that God loves, so don’t trade it for some schtick.
[ Today’s post is Part I of the two-part series Living a Life of Love. ]The other day TJ came home after a summer afternoon at the park with a 1,000 watt smile, cheeks flushed from the heat, and a mischievous look in his eyes.
He was so adorable, rushing into the house, with his toddler gait.
“Mommy! Mommy! Guess what I got for you?”
“Oooh, I wonder what it is!” I called out from the kitchen, as I finished up the last of chopping and prepping for dinner.
As I walk to the front door to welcome him and help dump the sandbox out of his shoes, I prepared myself to receive the usual treasure trove TJ usually brings back. Rocks, pebbles, and a pocket full of sand are standard fare. On a good day, I’ll be presented with really good stick.
Today was different. Instead of scrounging around in those pockets of his, TJ hid his hands behind him and told me to sit down.
“Close your eyes now.”
Eyes closed, I feel something very prickly placed right up close to my nose.
“Here!” TJ exclaims. “A flower! I got you a bee-u-tee-full flower. And it smells really flesh!” No doubt, he’s heard me oohing and aahing over Hubby’s flowers, fawning over how fresh they smelled.
I take a sniff. Although I couldn’t smell a thing, other than maybe the green from the stem, I pronounce, “They smell wonderful! So wonderful! Thank you!” A proud smile lights up on TJ’s face.
Mission accomplished, TJ runs off to crash a couple of his Matchbox cars.
The Scent of Being Loved
The flowers didn’t carry a scent traceable to another person’s nose. But, to this mommy, the fragrance was unmistakable. The scent of being loved.
It got me thinking. Whenever I admire those who seem to have it all put together, am I looking to borrow their scent?
The world values success that can be measured and also admired: achievement, competence, even ministry and personal fulfillment.
But, God’s calling to us is unique: Be loved as a child and live a life of love.
“Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children and live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave Himself up for us, as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.” Ephesians 5:2
It’s so beautiful, it’s hard to believe. In a world that pushes us to be wary of simplistic contentments like love, it’s a challenge to keep our focus on God’s design for us.
But, I’m learning my most satisfying and rich days are ones aimed at Godly-fulfillment, rather than self-fulfillment.
These are the moments I feel completely loved by God and completely free to love others in return, including myself.
The scent of being loved. This is what I’m after and what I long to be filled with.
How ’bout you?
What captures your attention?
How does God leave you with the scent of being loved?
Be sure to catch Part 2 of Living a Life of Love: Are You Guilty of Photoshopping Life? I am
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5 Comments
Hi Bonnie,
It’s great to be here today, and I discovered your wonderful writing here, coming from Vered’s Momgrind site!
I have three kids (14, 12, and 10) – and I’m quickly realizing that hanging out with Dad is becoming less and less important for them. So, my attention was recently captured, walking into the grocery store. I held out my hand, and my 10 year old son grabbed on. And in that moment, I had this flash – that these moments, they’re fleeting. How long before he joins the other two, and my hand isn’t held when I hold it out (because that’s not cool). And so that moment – it was such a moment of being loved…deeply and truly and unconditionally…from my son. And I all of a sudden, I cherished this more than I ever had…
@Lance: Welcome, fellow Momgrind fan. Thank you for sharing such a beautiful moment. Fast and fleeting was the moment, caught by Dad. Nice.
[…] Best Gifts Aren’t Wrapped Up In a Bow 2009 August 11 tags: love by Bonnie Gray The Scent of Loving can be left at the most unexpected moments. When you think your day is humdrum and maybe even a […]
[…] Today's post is part 2 of the series: Living a Life of Love. Be sure to check out Part 1: The Scent of Being Loved, when you get a chance. […]
Loved this one 🙂 I have these moments often with my little girl, but only when I choose to “smell’ them. I have to stop what I am so busy doing and just be with her to notice. It always reminds me God loves me even more than I love her. How IS that possible?!