I shared in “Showered By Grace” about Scott’s surprise gift of Tresor at our last Christmas together. Though a familiar display on cosmetic counters in fine stores, I had never used this fragrance. I had worn Chanel No. 5 for several years and also Chloe, Shalimar, and Romance in the past.

Scott had chosen Tresor and seemed confident that this scent would be my perfect match. I smile when I revisit that memory, because he was right! Though the initial sniff from the bottle was not convincing, a spray to my wrist confirmed what Scott already knew. The aroma was divine and I accepted this as my signature fragrance.

The lavish gift set from Scott included a large spray bottle of cologne, a small bottle of parfum, a travel roller bottle, a large bottle of body lotion, shower gel, and body powder. Every time I used these I felt layered in love, and I stretched them out until they were finished, long after Scott moved to heaven. The empty large spray bottle remains packed away. Just a whiff of this fragrance instantly transports me back to that time, and I rejoice in the love we shared from the heart of God.

Many of my memories are attached to scents. When I smell the sweetness of honeysuckle, I remember the kids my sister and I played with in Beaumont, Texas. They lived behind the duplex where we were staying at that time. Playing outside with them provided a temporary escape from our stepmother. The memory is triggered every year when the familiar vine blooms.

My first perfume as a young preteen was “Intimate” by Revlon, a Christmas gift from Aunt Lucy, with some body powder and a new nightgown. I felt so grown the first time I sprayed some onto my skin. The aluminum tree was decorated with red glass balls and the color wheel was turning. I wanted to sit in front of it and watch the changing colors all night. Santa rescued Rudolph and all his friends from the island and gave them to loving children. For a few precious hours anything seemed possible.

I craved pancakes during the pregnancy with my son. We ate at the International House of Pancakes many mornings before work. The smell of melted butter and maple syrup triggers those memories even today. The precious scent of my children as babies was a fleeting pleasure as children grow up and the scents change! I remember those memories when I touch the skin of an infant and I am thankful for the gift of motherhood.

Familiar smells in the kitchen invoke warmth, reassurance, peace, and confidence in tomorrow, reflecting the love of the preparer for those who will enjoy the provision.

Memories are threaded with sights, sounds, and scents, triggering joy and sadness. Life is marked by peaks and valleys, and memories are created and stored as we move forward daily. We are a part of other people’s memories, linking us beyond the moment even after we are no longer a part of each other’s lives. Everything we do and say has an impact into eternity.

May we create memories that will bring a smile to our face and peace to our soul as we continue on our journey.