For those of you that don’t know, I currently have no sense of smell. I lost my sense of smell around the age of 12, so I have a decent prior knowledge of how things used to smell. In general, not smelling doesn’t make much of a difference to me anymore. Although, sometimes it is annoying how often my best friends and even my own mother shove candles or perfumes in my face because they want me to enjoy the same experience they’re having.
Smelling is something you do without any effort, and when you’ve been without this sense for so long, you honestly don’t even notice what you’re lacking most of the time. I certainly don’t miss smelling a dead skunk on the road or passing through an oil rigging town on a road trip.
However, sometimes I’m hit with the realization that I’ve never experienced the maternal bliss of smelling my newborn baby, and I won’t be able to enjoy one of the best parts of the holiday season. I miss the scent of fresh pine needles and cookies baking in the oven.
Even though I cannot smell, I know and trust that those scents do in fact exist all around me, and there are others that can still enjoy this season to the fullest! This same principal can be applied to the presence of God. Always surrounding, never ceasing. Whether you can physically experience God or not, I can always rely on them to be there.
This season, I pray that I can remain thankful for all that I still have, faithful to God’s greatness, and mindful of my privilege. Peace and love!
Annalicia Clements