One of our favorite walking places is at J Neils Memorial Park in Libby. The 1 1/2 mile loop takes you through stands of majestic Ponderosa Pine (our state tree) as well as a number of Douglas Fir trees. The path is also strewn with a large variety of wild flowers beginning in early May and continuing through June. We are graced with such beauties of God’s creation as shooting stars, buttercups, glacier lilies, arrow leaf balsamroot, arnica, lupine, mariposa, star flowers, larkspur, harebells, western groundsel, Oregon grape, wild roses and clarkia.  

     As the temperatures heat up, our walks are also rewarded by a pleasant fresh “forest aroma”. It is a mixture of scents, primarily coming from the release of aromatic compounds from the soil and terpenes like “pinene” from the trees. Plants, especially conifers, during their growth and fruit-production time, release terpenes that contribute to the “pine-fresh” scent . (NOTE: plants also release oxygen into the air as a byproduct of the photosynthesis process). Each plant releases fragrances adding to the overall sensory experience of a walk in “God’s great outdoors.” It’s as if all the earth is praising its Creator.  While flowers and trees–not being made in the image of God as are humans (Gen. 1:26,27)–don’t consciously “praise God” in the way we can, their existence and beauty can be seen as expressions of God’s amazing creation and as a way to reflect on His goodness and artistry. The beauty of nature (God’s handiwork), including trees and flowers, can be interpreted as a “silent praise” to God, pointing to His power and creativity. “The heavens (and flora a fauna too!) are telling of the glory of God…” (Psa. 19:1). “Let the heavens be glad, and let the earth rejoice; let the sea roar, and all it contains. Let the field exult, and all that is in it. Then all the trees of the forest will sing for joy” (Psa. 96:11,12). “O LORD, how many are Your works. In wisdom You have made them all; the earth is full of Your possessions” (Psa. 104:24). “Mountains and all hills; fruit trees and all cedars; beasts and all cattle; creeping things and winged fowl…Let them praise the name of the LORD…” (Psa. 148:9,10,13). “O LORD, our Lord,. how majestic is Your name in all the earth!” (Psa. 8:9)

     On our property we have lots of spring flowers as well, such as crocuses, tulips, daffodils, hyacinths and crown imperial, each adding its unique beauty tothe world.  Then we have a number of fruit trees which add their display of blossoms as they begin their annual process of fruit production. The Whitney Crab Apple tree has the sweetest aroma of all and when it is in full bloom we love to just stand in the orchard and take in its amazing aroma. 

     As followers of Jesus Christ, when we are “abiding in Him” (Jn. 15:1-8,16), He will “manifest through us the sweet aroma of the knowledge of Him in every place. For we are a fragrance of Christ to God among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing; to the one an aroma of life, to the other an aroma of death” (II Cor. 2:14,15). But, it is always a fragrance pleasing to God. We emit a pleasant aroma when we live a life of truth and grace, sharing the Good News in a loving way, and by reflecting Christ’s love and compassion through kindness, forgiveness and unconditional love. We also emit that aroma of Christ when we remain faithful when facing hardship, persecution or rejection. We also spread that fragrance when we focus others’ attention on Christ, not on ourselves. And, of course, we emit that fragrance when being fruit bearers through allowing the Holy Spirit to be in control. His fruit of “love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self control” (Gal. 5:22,23) will be seen in our lives. That is, Christ, who lives in us, will manifest Himself through us. 

     So, what kind of “aroma” are you and I spreading?  

Forever His,

Pastor Dave