3 Days From Devotions for the FallExemplo

Cinnamon Brooms

It was the ultimate act of love when Christ laid down His life for us. Paul said that it was a sweet smell to the Father. I’ve often wondered about the aroma of such an extravagant sacrifice. How would one even describe the scent of selfless love? There’s no way for us to know the specific formulation—its top and base notes—of that fragrance, but when we walk in love, God smells it all over again. He breathes in every act of service, kind word, and offering of grace, and it reminds Him of Jesus.

Scents can be such powerful things; one sniff can take us back to a different place in time. The right aroma can completely change our mind-sets and lift our spirits. For me, the presence of cinnamon brooms near the checkout at the grocery store will always signal the beginning of the fall and holiday season.

I don’t know why, when thinking of something to infuse with the scent of cinnamon, someone decided a broom was the thing, but I’m all for it. Cinnamon brooms make me happy and conjure up all sorts of pleasant memories. They will always make me think of fall mantels, chili on the stove, and family gatherings. Wherever I’ve found myself in life and whatever I’ve gone through, one whiff of those brooms and I’m reminded of the good times.

Paul said that Christ followers are the fragrance of Christ both to the saved and to the perishing (2 Corinthians 2:15). Just as a cinnamon broom brings reminders of fall festivities, our lives should serve as a reminder of Jesus’ life and love. One whiff, so to speak, should remind people of the love that the heavenly Father poured out on His children.

Don’t we want our lives to be like that? Imagine our heavenly Father watching us walk in love and savoring the sweet-smelling aroma. Imagine the way we live reminding people that they are loved. Let’s make it our aim in life to walk as Jesus walked and to leave the scent of love everywhere we go.