Between the years of helping to care for my siblings and later having my own babies, I did a lot of in-home child care. One home in which I worked through the winter had throughout it a gloriously inviting scent. Colors and emotions rode on the waves of that scent and I fell in love with something I was sure I could never have.
The first time I stayed at my brother and sister-in-law’s home I experienced it again. By that time I’d had enough miniature experiences to know that this scent was Lavender. “I need to get this scent into my home,” I began to think, “but I’m not going to go all the way to Essential Oils. I’m not that crazy about it.”
About nine months after we moved to Stockport one of the ladies from church was having an EO education party. David was a few weeks old and I was looking for a reason to get out of the house- but not too far- so he and I went to the party. Our educator passed around oil bottles, encouraging us to rub a drop between our hands and breath deeply. David spent the evening on my lap nursing, burping, spitting, and sleeping. I learned a lot and thoroughly enjoyed myself.
Upon arriving home I shared some of my surprising new knowledge with Nathan, trying not to move too fast. The next morning we had some cuddle time with David, and Nathan leaned in to inhale the intoxicating smell of our baby’s head. What he got instead was a conglomeration of all the oil scents we’d experienced at the party.“Honey, is this what Essential Oils smell like?!”
I sniffed. “I guess so. That sure isn’t his regular smell. I guess he got a lot on his head from my hands.”“And it’s still so strong! He slept really well, too, didn’t he?”“Yeah, I suppose he did.”“Honey, I think we need to get some of these.”
So I contacted the distributor and we embarked on an adventure. By this time I had discovered that the good smells of EO’s are just a side benefit. With the use of the right quality, I’d discovered there were potentially enormous health benefits to my family. Some time later I acquired a reference book loaded with the nerdiest details about what makes up each oil and the most common recommendations for its use.
I began to obsess. These oils were an investment, I knew they were a treasure of health if I could figure out how and when to use them, and I was afraid to waste or misuse them. Extra time began to be focused on that little book, but I didn’t feel like I was able to commit as much to memory as I wanted. In a moment of reflection I noted that it had been some time since I had last picked up my Bible. Babies require a lot of time and attention so this did not shock me, but recognizing that I had found moments in my day for the reference book while claiming I could find no time for the Bible did. I had taken possession of these mystical little bottles and I was desperate to know what they could do to save or protect my family.
But how long, I began to wonder, had it been since I first let the Holy Spirit take possession of me, and was I nearly as informed yet about what He could do to save and protect my family? How much did I really know about that mystical being?
Since that time I’ve learned a lot about how the Holy Spirit comforts in troubled times. He brings to mind things I learned years ago- even from my early childhood- just when I need it. He gives just the right song to run though my head all day.There have been so many times that, at just the time I need it, the Holy Spirit has reminded me of Scriptures I’ve memorized. As ministry has drawn my heart into the nitty-gritty of other people’s lives, I’ve found the Holy Spirit drawing me into God’s presence with my concerns for them. In my physical pain, He reminds me that Satan attacks the people who are on mission and about to cause him trouble. And all the while this Divine Friend is constantly reminding me of the variety of blessings God has lavishly layered on my life, and I am overcome with gratitude.