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The smell of love

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Inspiration

By Charles Towne

If you could describe love in one word what would that word be?

I imagine my word for love would have to be gardenias. When I smell gardenias I can’t help but think of Papa God’s wonderful love.

That sweet scent assails my senses in a language far beyond words.

I was at my friend Don’s house. In his dooryard stands a magnificent gardenia bush. Gardenias, as I am sure you are aware are seasonal, unlike Papa God’s magnificent love which is always in full bloom. Don’s gardenia bush, the one he planted for his wife, due to the fact we had already had some chilly weather, was past the time for it to be blooming, but there, right in front of my face as I walked up his drive was a glorious gardenia blossom, and what a blossom it was! About four inches across, pure white, and just begging to be sniffed! So, what could I do? I sniffed it! Heaven, pure heaven! I would like to gather armloads of that wonderful scent and bathe in it!

Or how about jasmine? I have some Jasmine growing in my yard and what a joy it is! I have met a few dear souls that didn’t get along well with Jasmine but as for me and my house, we could wallow in it. I could let it transport me to another realm of mystery and delight. (I hate to admit it for fear you will think me strange but I have been known to hug my jasmine!) Dear Papa God, thank you for the smell of jasmine!

Yes, gardenias and flowering jasmine shout love loud and clear, at least to me. But then as I already alluded to, I am a little strange, just a little mind you.

I wonder what word Papa God would use? Perhaps it would be grace or forgiveness. Mercy would be good, as would acceptance. But then perhaps he would use the word gift, as in “salvation is a free gift from God!” Or, Jesus is the ultimate gift to man, or, God gave himself that all mankind might be saved!

Yes, gardenias and jasmine smell like love. Love is God’s Holy gift to you, my friend! Pretty neat I would say.

I wonder, maybe Papa God just might be a little like me and choose gardenias, You expect?


Charles Towne is first and foremost a Christian. An octogenarian, author, journalist, wildlife photographer, naturalist, caregiver, and survivor, his life has been and continues to be, a never-ending adventure filled with possibilities never imagined. He has adopted the philosophy that to Live fully, laugh uproariously, love passionately, and learn like there is no tomorrow, is a formula for a long and joy-filled life.

Charles Towne, Inspiration

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