Don’t you just love the smells of the holidays? I was cooking the other day, when my daughter walked in the kitchen and said, “It smells like Thanksgiving, I want some of that!” I can’t remember what I was making that day, but I do remember thinking of all the smells that Thanksgiving brings, not just the turkey, stuffing and pumpkin pie, but the smell of warmth and the comfort of home, the scent of laughter and memories. I love all the smells of the season, from the delicious food baking in the oven to a fire crackling in the chimney; the suffocating scent of grandma’s perfume to the sticky kisses freely given by the youngest of the family. The smell of togetherness, joy, and love. A simple aroma has the power to bring all of those memories to the surface, and you just can’t help but smile at all the emotions they bring.

God, knowing how powerful smells would be for us, used it many times throughout Scripture as a reference to our own lives. His desire is that our lives give off a sweet-smelling perfume that draws others to Christ. Does our sweet and gentle spirit remind others of God’s love? He wants us to live our lives in a way that brings honor and glory to Him allowing our perfume to reach the Heavens. Does your life exhibit a joy and peace that makes others feel thankful? This Thanksgiving season, allow your kindness, love, and patience to be the smells that turn heads to say, “I want some of that!”

Suggested Prayer: Dear Heavenly Father, help me to live my life leaving the sweet-smelling aroma of you everywhere I go. Let the smell of Your Love in me turn heads and make others desire more of you, In Jesus’ name, Amen.

1.    2 Corinthians 2:14b-15 (NLT).

Today’s Encounter was written by: Veronica B.