just like your daddy....

Now thanks be to God who always leads us in triumph in Christ, and through us diffuses the fragrance of His knowledge in every place. For we are to God the fragrance of Christ among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing. (2 Corinthians 2:14-15 NKJV)

The short and sweet of it today is very simple...

As we sat listening to the service today, I was struck by something my wife said.  (I would also add that verse 14 above was also part of the message today.). 

My youngest son, Lucas, sat on my lap during the service.  This is a place he often likes to sit...close to daddy.  It was simply one of those enjoyable times I have as a father.  About 5 min before the service ended, he shifted over to his mother's lap.  And in the process told her sweetly that he loved her.  And then Colleen said something that made me stop.  

"You smell like your Daddy."

It hit me powerfully.  It is in spending time with God that we take on His aroma.  Even something as simple as waiting in His presence, we become the fragrance of Christ.  And others become acutely aware that we have been with Him, based on this.  (there is still so much more here, but I did say, "short")

Wow!  Simple and true.  

I want to radiate that aroma, and more so...

...let me be known by my love for spending time with Abba!  "All Your garments are scented with myrrh and aloes and cassia, out of the ivory palaces, by which they have made You glad."         (Psalm 45:8 NKJV)

for Camilla...

Tonight, I looked into the face of a young girl, no older than 16.  

I saw past the layers of makeup and the pump heels.  

I looked into the face of one who was scared...feeling intimidated by the older, more experienced women near her and terrified of the men who eyed her as they would a piece of meat.  I saw past the shy smile and flushed cheeks, knowing that somewhere beneath the frail form, innocence hid away.

And for a moment, I was her father. 

Tonight, I saw her sitting on the floor of her bedroom, playing with dolls and stuffed animals.   I saw her riding a bike, running in the park and dreaming of the man she would one day marry. And with a shy smile she would blush when a boy caught her eye.  Wrapped in safety and innocence, without worry of the future she rested...secure...knowing that all was well because she was loved. 

And for a moment, she was my daughter.

Tonight, I saw a young woman, marked by deep scars of rejection and pain...innocence lost

Ravished by loves and one night stands, she was hardened and dull.  A fake untrusting smile fastened to her face where she used to laugh; real laughs.  All her dreams passed long ago, hiding somewhere behind her hollow eyes.  

And for a moment, I saw the Father

Tonight, I saw life reborn in the eyes of a girl who dared to hope again .  Clean and clothed in righteousness, she was full of peace.  And the Creator of Love came and restored innocence, dreams and destiny to her.  She was renewed in mind, body and spirit.  And with new life, she spoke out clearly of the man Jesus; who loves her and makes all things new.  

And now, she is His daughter

(praying for Camila to find herself...lost in love with Jesus)