It always amazes me that simply inhaling a certain scent brings forth certain memories. Sometimes the memory is from a very distinct moment in time, while another memory may have occurred more than once.  Sometimes the memory is one that was long forgotten, yet others are almost always at the forefront of my mind.  Sometimes the scent brings forth sad memories. But usually for me, the scent brings about sweet memories. 

Earlier this week, a trip to the home improvement center quickly took my mind to my Granddaddy’s “shop”. The smell of fresh cut lumber was so distinctive that it reminded me of the piles of sawdust in that shop during the spring and summer. I loved using the sawdust to make interesting mud pies.  Summer days when he worked in the evenings on one home project or another were a constant site. This week I quickly visualized the shop – with the table saw in one partially open corner.  One long side held shelves filled with tools long forgotten.  One shorter side held a bench with vise grips along the edge. The areas beneath the shelves were usually hiding spots for the yearly litters of farm kittens. 

Last week on a cool, less humid morning, my car windows were down so the dog would have fresh air.  Suddenly on the drive, I caught the smell of freshly cut grass along with freshly trimmed trees. The two scents together brought forth a childhood memory that I had long forgotten. I was shocked at how quickly this particular memory popped into my mind.   One summer evening while riding my bicycle on the small road near our home in the town near the family farm, a neighbor drove beside me as I pedaled as hard as I could to keep up with friends. After one block, he rolled his window down and shared that I was “driving” at 25 mph. I can’t remember his name, but I could probably point out his home on that street to this day!  

The smell of sea air brings forth a wide variety of  memories.  A trip to Daytona Beach with our oldest girls before their third birthday. The many trips with my sisters (and their families) to the Florida panhandle. The week I chaperoned the youth at church camp and drove them to the beach at Tybee Island for the afternoon.  But my most memorable beach trip took place in 2017.  My sisters and I took a winter beach trip with our mom after she began treatments for cancer.   It was a bittersweet trip, but one I will always treasure.  Anytime I smell the sea air, I recall that trip the most.  I am so thankful we were able to share those days with her.  

I am sure that many of you have special memories that come to mind when you smell certain scents.  If so, feel free to share in the comments section.  

The sweet smell of perfume and oils is pleasant, and so is good advice from a friend.   Proverbs 27:9

Follow God’s example, therefore, as dearly loved children and walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God. Ephesians 5:1-2