More Than Potpourri
by Patty Wysong
My teenage son walked in the door and asked what smelled so good. Knowing this child of mine, I told him his sister had made a birthday cake, thinking that would make him lick his chops, but his response surprised me. “Oh. I thought I smelled something fruity, maybe peachy.” He was less then happy when I told him that was just the liquid potpourri and there were no peaches in the house, let alone in the oven.
I rather smugly thought to myself, “Yes! Mission accomplished. It no longer smells like a closed up house with a hint of his smelly socks.” When I glanced at his face I saw a different message, it said, “All smell and no substance stinks!”
Sometimes I get so caught up in the smell good part that I don’t even think about substance. But that’s the most important part of the equation. I want to be more than just a pleasing aroma—more than just potpourri. I want to make sure I have a pie sitting on the counter ready to serve to my family and friends—anyone that comes to my door and into my life.
Life is about more than just knowing the right words to say, doing the right things at the right time, wearing the right clothing for the occasion. It’s about walking the talk. Living out what I say I believe. It’s about having more than a smoke screen to hold on to when the going gets rough, and more than just meaningless platitudes when my friends need a lifeline.
How can I do that?
*By spending time in, and meditating on God’s Word.
*By being in constant communion with Christ—time in prayer, talking with Him, but also listening for His voice.
*By abiding in Jesus.
“Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself unless it abides in the vine, so neither can you, unless you abide in Me. I am the vine you are the branches; he who abides in Me, and I in him, he bears much fruit; for apart from Me you can do nothing.” John 15:4-5
Lord, help me to bear fruit for You and not be just a fruity potpourri that smells good but has no substance to it.
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6 Comments until now.
What a FABULOUS devo and message. I definitely need this reminder, especially this time of year when we decorate for Christmas on the OUTSIDE and sometimes neglect our insides.
This really spoke to me, the same message is on my heart. I want to drink in the substance of all things Christ has for me instead of my usual glancing over and passing it on for someone else to get the substance. I’m learning He’s big enough to give substance to all of us, if I choose to receive it! Thank you, Patty!
Wow. What a great illustration. Thanks so much–I really needed to read this one this morning.
My family & I have had a rough 3 yrs. First, my husband of over 40 yrs. marriage passed away. Then, end of summer my daughter & 16 yr old grandsone were killed on impact, while an hour away from her destination in Virginia, after leaving my home in Illinois. 3 other daughter’s/their familie’s are hurting.
The only one in this Whole Wide World that we can get solace/comfort from is JESUS.
Footsteps ‘n’ the Sand.
Psalm 18 1-6 I love you, O Lord, my strength. 2. The Lord is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge. He ia my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold. 3 i call to the Lord, who is worthy of praise, and I am saved from my enemies. 4 The cords of death entagled me; the torrents of destruction overwhelmed me. 5. The cords of the grave’ coiled around me; the snares of death confronted me. 6. In my distress I called to the Lord; I cried to my God for help. From His temple he heard my voice; my cry came before him, into his ears.
The enemy will take Every opportunity he can get to try to ‘steal the joy’.
Sandy
Thanks so much for the encouragement–It’s so very timely for me.
Sandy, your testimony puts everything in perspective. Thank you.
Sandy, I read what you wrote and then needed to read it again. And then again. I want to say something, but . . . ; may I say, instead, that I hope to learn more about those three years . . . what you thought . . . my goodness. May God continue His provisions, within you and yours, for you and yours.