The Shadow of Your Wings

"Now thanks be to God who always leads us in triumph in Christ, and through us diffuses the fragrance of His knowledge in every place. For we are to God the fragrance of Christ among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing." 2 Cor 2:14,15 NKJ

“Through us, He brings knowledge of Christ. Everywhere we go, people breathe in the exquisite fragrance. Because of Christ, we give off a sweet scent rising to God, which is recognized by those on the way of salvation - an aroma redolent with life.” The Message

A rose blooms in my garden that is “exquisite” in fragrance. The mutabilis, so named for its habit of mutating color as the blossom matures, is not the most lovely of roses. It is a shrubby plant, its flower a simple, flat, five petaled bloom without the delicate shell-like curve and curl of a florist’s rose. But the colors, which range from a butter cream yellow to a golden marmalade and bright pink to deep magenta, have the rich intensity of any jewel; and the fragrance … ahhh. The scent is that of peppered honey- sharp, exciting, warm, seductive.

I spent the early part of this morning plucking the spent flowerheads from my little plant, praying as I worked; asking the Lord to come into the garden of my life, to prune and pinch back, that I might be the delight to Him that this sweet rose is to me.

The morning progressed, with its attendant chores - weeds to pull, dishes to be washed, laundry to gather, wash, and hang. Working my way ‘round to the barnyard I gave the goats a hug and a scratch, tossed some hay, gathered eggs. Several hours later I took a moment to be still before God. It was then that I noticed the scent of the mutabilis still clung to my fingertips. As I breathed in the unmistakable perfume I was amazed to realize that it had not faded. Throughout the busyness of my day that sweet fragrance had stayed with me, the beauty of that early moment in His presence was upon me, “an aroma redolent with life.”