fine fragrance

The other day, I was going through some boxes from a move and I came across my perfume collection.

I went through a phase of life where I collected perfume. Every time I got paid, I felt the need to purchase a new bottle of perfume.

I was in search of the perfect scent. I wanted a perfume that "got me," as silly as that may seem.

I bought the majority of these perfumes while I was engaged. I have always been aware of the powerful effect of scent. Scents can elicit so many wonderful memories and feelings.

So I sought out the scent that would hopefully make life more interesting. Of course, that goodness didn't really come in a bottle. But, it was a temporary way to fill a mild obsession.

I probably collected a few dozen bottles over the course of time.
..way more than I need.

The other day I was at the bookstore and I saw these cute little mugs. One said, "grace." another said, "hope." One, "Love"....and there was a "faith" mug...

I happened to have a gift card that someone gave me, so I decided that instead of buying myself these cute little mugs, I would buy some to give to the ladies at our local women's shelter.

later that night, as I discovered my barely used, long lost perfume collection, I felt that still, small voice urging me to give some away.

At first, I didn't really want to. Each scent is unique. Each fragrance offers its own little window into an aromatic experience. Each smell is something quite special...

But then I began to think about the women at the women's shelter. How lost and lonely many of them must feel. many have come out of extremly abusive situations. They suffer from a lack of self worth.

Many of these women need, not only Jesus, but someone to let them they care.
Each of these women, in essence, is unique. Each one is something quite special.
Each of us, I realized, is like a very fine fragrance. Special in our own unique and individual way.

So I decided to give away some of my perfume collection.

That night, as I was reading the Bible, I came across the parable about the man who had an excess of crop. He decided to store it away ....so that one day he could be rich, full, and merry...

But, ironically, the man died and his he didn't get to enjoy the fruits of his labor.

My perfume was kind of like this man's crop. I had too much. Jesus urged me to share.
I could hear that still, small, yet gentle voice telling me to store up my treasures in heaven.

How often do we have so much more than we need in this life? How often do we hoard and fail to share and fail to give?

I was reading a book the other day called "Enemies of the Heart." IT was a great book that uses biblical references to becoming truly happy...

There are four enemies of the heart. Anger, Greed, Jealousy, and for some reason I can't recall the fourth one right now....

The way to overcome greed is simply to give and give generously. Give and God will change your heart.

greed hides in so many ways and many of us don't even realize that we are greedy.
Today, I challenge you to give away something that you have entirely too much of...
Don't be the man in the parable...

The ground of a certain rich man produced a good crop. He thought to himself. "what shall I do? I have no place to store my crops."

Then he said, "This is what I'll do. I will tear down my barns and build bigger ones, and there I will store all my grain and my goods. And I'll say to myself, "You have plenty of good things laid up for many years. Take life easy; eat, drink, and be merry."

But God said to him, "you fool! This very night your life will be demanded of you. Then who will get what you have prepared for yourself?"

This is how it will be for anyone who stores up things for himself but is not rich toward God _ Luke 12:16-21

I guess I need to clean out my closet soon...I have clothes "stored up" for myself that I haven't worn in years.