By Pastor Mark Hopper
Pastor Mark Hopper
Experts say that we associate smells with specific events or memories in our lives. For example, the scent of pine trees reminds me of summer camping trips in the mountains of Arizona. A salty ocean breeze reminds me of trips with my parents to the beaches of Southern California when I was a little guy. And the smell of waffle cones reminds me of walking down Main Street in Disneyland on vacation when my own children were young.
What comes to your mind when you pick up a familiar scent or smell? It may be the smell of a rose in your backyard or the blossoms of a fruit tree at the house next door. One of my favorite scents at this time of year is the orange blossoms on the trees in our backyard. They are filled with blossoms right now and they smell so good!
The smell of orange blossoms takes me back to where I grew up in Scottsdale, Arizona. There were orange groves next to the elementary school I attended, and there were orange groves near the Little League baseball fields where we spent so many hours. My wife grew up in a home that had over 20 citrus trees right on their property. The scent this time of year is almost overwhelming; I have a lot of fond memories.
What are your favorite scents and smells? What memories do they bring to your mind?
I am convinced that God created all the color, texture, sounds and smells for us to enjoy. I hope you will stop and smell the roses or the orange blossoms you encounter today.
Pastor Mark Hopper is from the Evangelical Free Church of Diamond Bar, 3255 South Diamond Bar Ave. Sunday services are 9 a.m. and 10:45 a.m. For more information, call (909) 594-7604 or visit http://www.efreedb.org.
