LAVENDER

Jesus answered, "I tell you the truth, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless he is born of water and the Spirit. Flesh gives birth to flesh, but the Spirit gives birth to spirit. You should not be surprised by my saying, 'You must be born again.' The wind blows wherever it pleases. You hear its sound, but you cannot tell where it comes from or where it is going. So it is with everyone born of the Spirit." (John 3:5-8)

Lavender is one of the most delightful of flowers in the garden. It has a lovely purplish-blue color and is very fragrant. Oil from the lavender plant is used to make soaps, lotions and perfumes. Lavender is also dried and tied into little sachets which are put in closets and drawers to keep clothes and bed linens smelling fresh. Some say that placing sprigs of lavender under their pillows help them relax and enjoy restful sleep.

What a treat to see lavender growing the garden. If you touch it or brush against it lavender will leave its scent on your hands and clothes.

In John 3 we find Jesus talking about the Spirit of God when he says, "The wind blows where it chooses, and you hear the sound of it, but you do not know where it comes from or where it goes. So it is with everyone who is born of the Spirit."

God's Spirit lives in us and that may be a difficult thing to understand. We know about our bodies, but The Spirit is something we cannot see. It is like the wind which we can hear, but cannot see, or a fragrance which we smell, but cannot see.

After you leave the garden, if you have touched the lavender plant, you will smell its scent on your hands and clothes, even though you can't see it. The fragrance goes with you everywhere.

The Spirit is like that. It goes with us everywhere like a lovely fragrance, reminding us of the Presence of God, helping us make good choices and have a joyful life.

Holy Father, we are your people, the people of God. Through the inspiration of the Holy Spirit and through the example of Jesus, we are the light of the world. Gather us together in truth and in love. Amen.

Charlotte Austin McCary's Chapel United Methodist Church