extravagant jasmine

Nikki and i have a jasmine bush planted outside our living room window. We actually have tried to get this plant to blossom for oh,...over a year. And this month it finally did. The scent is strong, and exquisite, though not appreciated by all. The little blossoms only open at night and for this reason the plant has earned its Spanish name "Dama de la noche" ... the Lady of the night.

Last week, during our volunteer training weekend we looked at what it means to share the Good news of Jesus.

"Through us, God brings knowledge of Christ. Everywhere we go, people breathe in the exquisite fragrance. Because of Christ, we give off a sweet scent rising to God, which is recognized by those on the way of salvation - an aroma redolent with Life. "

Our lovely jasmine plant has had me thinking.

I want Jesus to permeate my interactions with people...just like the sweetness of our "lady" wafts through our immediate neighborhood each eve. And i want to spread the undeniable fragrance of Life... and fill up my spaces, and my conversations so that there would be no room for the hopelessness of death. And i want to be poured out, extravagantly spent for Jesus sake and for love of His name.

"Be imitators of God therefore, as dearly loved children, and live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God." Eph. 5:1