As a young girl, I dreaded being sent to the barn to do even the smallest task before school. After just a few seconds, my long hair would reek of hog manure - a fragrant fact my classmates were quick to notice and ridicule. The smell of farm life clung to me all day.
In college, I spent a semester assembling and serving fast food at a popular chain restaurant. The long walk back to my apartment after my shift was never enough to separate me from the greasy aroma of hamburgers and fries - both delicious and repulsive.
I spent most of this busy day doing home visits and returned smelling like ... well.... like my parishioners! In the exchange of hugs and handshakes, communion and prayers, the smells of cologne and perfume and soap clung to me - along with the pain, grief, laughter, love and faith that were shared. (And, I confess, a very small slice of cherry pie.)
Peeling off my fragrant jacket, I am so grateful for the gift of relationship and for burdens and hope shared in our faith community.
What does love smell like for you?
Peeling off my fragrant jacket, I am so grateful for the gift of relationship and for burdens and hope shared in our faith community.
The smell of my grandson's scalp through his close cut hair. He is almost my height. The reason I smell Love is my '12 year old' grandson is 'still' hugging me tightly! I am once again aware of how blessed I am.
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