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A Bottle of Memories: The Goodness of God in Every Season

Do you have a signature scent? Maybe it’s a perfume that your husband always bought for you or one that you have worn for years. Before Eternity by Calvin Klein became my signature scent, I loved wearing Sunflowers by Elizabeth Arden. It has such an innocent sweet tea scent.

So a couple of weeks ago, I took my daughter Grace shopping at our local Marshall’s. As we were looking around, I stumbled upon a singular, brightly packaged bottle of Sunflowers. I hadn’t seen or even thought about it in years, and I couldn’t resist picking it up and smiling. I set it back on the shelf and walked around a while longer with Grace. Finally, I could no longer resist the urge to place that bottle in my cart.

The next morning, I unboxed the bottle and inhaled the familiar scent.

Instantly, I was transported back…

Back to a simpler time, one full of innocence. Back to a time when I had no concept of the depths of love between a husband and wife. To a time when I couldn’t fathom the heartbreak that comes when that love is torn away—when two who had become one are suddenly and unwillingly ripped apart. And to a time when I was overflowing with hopes and dreams of a long, beautiful life with the man God had for me—raising our children together, and growing old together.

And as I reflected on that simpler, more innocent season—when my heart was whole and untouched by heartache and loss—I couldn’t help but think of how much has changed since then. My heart has been bruised, battered, and broken in ways I would have never imagined possible, yet through it all, I’ve experienced so much healing, so much beauty, so much community, so much of Jesus.

“I will remember the deeds of the Lord: yes, I will remember Your wonders of old”
Psalm 77:11 (ESV)

Life looks so very different from what I once dreamed. But I have seen Him work in so many incredible ways and I know I have so much to be grateful for.

One of the most meaningful and beautiful ways I’ve seen His hand at work over the past few years is through the community of widows He’s brought into my life. There’s such beauty and healing in walking alongside those who are further along in their journey—hearing their stories and seeing how God has worked in their lives has been such an encouragement. But there’s also beauty in reaching back to support those who are just beginning their own journey through widowhood. Seeing God use my experience to bring hope and healing to the hearts of other widows brings so much healing to mine.

I am also so thankful for the beauty of my family, who stand by me and pray for me. For friends who have walked alongside me with love, support, compassion, and encouragement. I am thankful for the beauty of the new dreams He has placed on my heart. Dreams I know will come to life and fruition in His perfect timing.

Beautiful reminders.

And all of this—these memories, reflections, and gratitude—stirred up by a simple bottle of Sunflowers perfume. What a beautiful reminder that even the hardest seasons can showcase His goodness. They can bring forth the sweetest growth and transformation, leaving behind a fragrance of hope and beauty that lingers long after the struggle has passed.

Heavenly Father, some days we feel pressed on every side and in every way. On those days, we ask that You remind us of Your goodness. Let us experience the sweet fragrance of hope and healing that only You can provide. Strengthen us through the difficult seasons and help us become a sweet and pleasing aroma to You. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.