the scent of my Savior

We grieve and celebrate with 2 families from our home town and home church this week.  

Two well loved daughters in heaven.  

A precious little baby 3 months old and a precious college student 20 years old.  

We grieve 

the loss of life

the fear and anger

the questions "Why?".

We grieve the reminder of how short life is.  

We celebrate 

the life that was given

the peace and love

the answers given as promises clung to.

We celebrate the reminder that life lasts forever.

My favorite fall flower in Japan is the Kingmokusei or "Sweet Olive".  These tiny, delicate blossoms are more smelt that seen, filling the cooler autumn days with a sweet fragrance.  They bring joy and blessing throughout their short weeks of color and life.

I have smelled the fragrance of Christ this week.  Testimonies of these two families who grieve with hope.  Parents who honor Jesus in the midst of tragedy. My faith is firmer and my heart convicted by their heartbroken, but heartfelt Godly responses.

My heart has been blessed by
and I too, long to be
the sweet aroma of Christ.