The Fading Scent

Scent association, rather interesting I think. When you smell a certain fragrance, even by accident, your mind is flooded with thoughts of people and memories that were in some way connected to that scent.

16 years ago I worked at a summer camp as part of the kitchen staff. There were certain cleaners that were used over and over making themselves a part of our memories without us even knowing it. As the days went on we fostered friendships and working relationships while working together, laughing, being silly, flirting, and even bickering.

For a very long time after that summer, every time I opened a bottle of spic and span, I released the aroma of many memories. My mind was flooded with people and the memories we shared together. But now, the scent has faded, the memories few, and the people distant (except of course the one person that I met and eventually married).

There are many other such scent triggers that I have experienced-too many to mention.

My 5 yr old son experienced it recently as well. When he was receiving his first application a bug repellent for the season a broad grin appeared on his face and he said with great pleasure..."ahhhh...smells like Madawaska". I could tell he too was invaded with memories as he went on to talk all about Superman to his little friend.

As time wears on, the impact of the scent fades. The Scripture says, "the prayers of the saints are like sweet smelling incense" and I wonder in my own imagination if God has a scent association with each of us and if after long periods of absence the scent begins to fade.

Maybe it works the other way too. Is it possible to lose the scent of the presence of God? If we move ourselves away and distance ourselves from the familiarity of his presence is it possible to lose the recognition of his aroma?