Pine forest.
It’s one of my favourite scents, evoking memories of woodland wanders in Yorkshire, Cumbria and other northern climes.
There’s hush as you step out of the sun and into the darkness, enveloped by another world. The trees’ aroma is somehow more pungent for lack of noise.
Tread softly, and breathe…
The science bit: fragrances of nature
What you can smell is actually an organic compound called phytoncide that pine trees produce to protect themselves. It’s a natural essential oil that hangs about in the air near their branches. And these oils are good for you, reducing stress and increasing immune system function (more on that here: Forest bathing – how to feel good naturally).
The sense of smell is incredibly important in the natural world. While we may be attracted to pine trees and reap the benefits of breathing in their oils, animals and plants use fragrance to their benefit too. Smell can alert animals to danger, lead them to food and help them identify a potential mate.
Flowering plants use scent to attract pollinators and fruit-eating animals, and the more attractive the odour the more likely a plant will be fertilised, their seeds dispersed and their DNA get passed on through the generations.
Fragrance is essential to attract.
The God bit: the fragrance of Christ
As well as pine forests, an aroma that attracts me is the fragrance of Christ. He’s the best food ever. By spending time with Him we can all get nourished and spread his seed far and wide. In fact, we’re called to do so:
“Wherever we go he uses us to tell others about the Lord and to spread the Good News like a sweet perfume. Our lives are a fragrance presented by Christ to God… We are a life-giving perfume.” – 2 Cor 2:14-16 (NLT)
The question is, are you giving out a pleasant aroma, or do you just stink?!
If you do think you’re a bit whiffy right now, Jesus will help. He doesn’t expect you to do this in your own strength. We’ve got the Holy Spirit for that:
“You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” – Acts 1:8 (NIV)
When you draw close to Christ you will overflow with His perfume and others will not be able to resist 😁
How are you spreading His fragrance this week❓
God bless xx
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